I do miss Azaeleas. Growing up on the coast of MS., we had a huge hedge of them. I don't remember that they got much care, but they were always covered in blooms each spring. I wish I could grow them here, but our limestone alkaline soil eventually does them in. Loved your photos and article.

Thanks, Sandi. They surely are carefree under the right conditions. A beautiful shrub indeed.

I was surprised to learn how well these do in the south. I have always considered azaleas to be a Pacific NW type of plant - along with our ever-popular rhodies. Beautiful photos, and nice article.

Thank you, Deb. We lived in Washington state for a few years and loved the azaleas and rhodies there.