Azaleas and Rhododendrons in Bloom at London Town

Nothing says Spring quite like the warm tones of full, vibrant Azalea blooms. Coming in reds, pinks, oranges, yellows, and whites, the variation in shapes and colors of these hybrid shrubs can be truly dazzling. From small, two-foot Satsuki hybrids to giant, evergreen shrubs, the breadth of genus Rhododendron fills many niches in the garden.

There is often confusion between the terms Azalea and Rhododendron. All azaleas are in the genus Rhododendron, but there are Rhododendrons that aren’t classified as azaleas. All Rhododendrons are in the heather family, sharing evolutionary ties with blueberries, ghost pipe, mountain laurel, and Sourwood. Generally, all prefer more acidic soil and shadier sites. 

Human selection has produced thousands of varieties and cultivars of azaleas over hundreds of years of cultivation. Small-leaved Satsuki hybrids lend themselves well to Bonsai and Kokedama, while some of the large-leaved rhododendrons make excellent specimen plants in formal and informal garden settings.  

Historic London Town and Gardens plays host to dozens of cultivars and cultivars of Azaleas and Rhododendrons, both native and exotic. As temperatures warm, April to May is peak bloom here at London Town. If your timing is right, you may even see the named ‘London Town’ Rhododendron grace us with its subtle, pink blossoms.  

Over the next few days, this pathway into the Dell will explode with color as the Azaleas along the pathway reach peak bloom.