Nikki Krieg.
Wild Azalea
Rhododendron canescens: I grew up with these growing along the ridge of the clear sandy creek that circles my family home. Deciduous, unlike their evergreen and very popular Asiatic relatives that are symbolic of the South, the blooms burst open before it leaves out, causing total drama in the woods and in your garden. For me, the pale pink blooms herald spring. They are also a great source of early nectar for pollinators.
Wild Azaleas are wonderful as a specimen plant, a hedge, as a pair flanking a gate, the list goes on!
[Read Jess Cole's February Plant Spotlight on the Louisiana Trillium, here.]
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