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So if you want lots of blooms, focus on the basics. This is another condition responsible for killing azalea flower buds. They bloom in April and May. According to the Azalea Society of America, there are more than 10,000 varieties of azaleas that have been registered, and hundreds if not thousands more that are unnamed seedlings. Azalea Belles young women in hoop skirts as colorful as the flowers around them will serve as hostesses. The Oconee azalea, R. flammeum, is indigenous to the Piedmont region of Georgia and South Carolina. If your existing soil is too bad to fix, plant azaleas in raised beds or containers. But in the years since it opened in 1939, Duke Gardens has expanded its scope, growing to cover 55 acres near the heart of Dukes West Campus. Your bloom times will differ from the chart by about one week for every USDA zone. Hope you enjoy your visit to this unique garden space. Mid-Season Species plants according to their flower color. Step 2: After pruning, feed the azalea with a slow-release, water-soluble fertilizer (12-6-6). Once you get into July, most azaleas will start setting flowerbuds. When to Fertilize Azaleas in NC (North Carolina) If you live in the western parts of North Carolina, you should apply the fertilizer in spring but not before the blooming period. Crimson, Hot Shot, and Pleasant White are popular Girard cultivars. Another reason is to be able to take the plant with you if you are moving to a new location and the original plant cannot be moved. The showy, sometimes fragrant flower clusters in vibrant shades of pumpkin orange, bright scarlet, or golden yellow bloom from mid-April through May. From the mountains to the coast, we feature North Carolina travel, history, food, and beautiful scenic photography. It will take four to eight weeks for roots to develop. The azalea could be considered the state shrub of Arkansas since it is the most common shrub planted in our landscapes. Varnadoes Apricot, Varnadoes Snow White, and Snowbird are R. canescens hybrids. Sarah Briggs. The 2021 event will be held April 7-11. How do you folks use azaleas in your garden? R. prunifolium is used by many breeders to extend the flowering season Cherry Bomb, Sweet September, and Pennsylvania are a few hybrids. A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala, Judges of the 2022 Made in NC Awards: Home & Garden, Garden Party: 4 Bright & Beautiful Salads, The Chatham Rabbits Find the Harmony of Home. Duke Gardens is a destination worthy of a photo. Hardy in Zones 4-9. Uncredited photos: Shutterstock. when do azaleas bloom in north carolina. Bred for the cold at the University of Minnesota, the Northern Lights series is comprised of midsized deciduous shrubs that flower in late April to June. Many people come to the Azalea Collection hoping to see a flame azalea (, Farther into the garden, the white blooms of the. You will also find occasional Christmas ferns and a carpet of New York ferns as you walk this short loop trail. Because Phytophthora is a soil-borne disease, refrain from planting anything else in the same spot until the area has been treated well with a fungicide. Most species bloom from late March to early May. As soon as I finish pruning, I spray my azaleas according to label directions with a systemic insecticide called Cygon. These easily identifiable ferns are, in fact, very closely related to their ancient relatives. Hardy in Zones 3-8. Hardy in Zones 7-9. Think again. As well as extending the bloom season in the azalea garden, it is also known for its beautifulfall leaf color. Remove the mulch and replace with new mulch. So, keep reading! Like many plants, azaleas can be susceptible to powdery mildew, leaf spot or root and crown rot. The Mollis series began in Belgium and these are derived mainly from crossing R. molle and R. japonicum with American species such as R. viscosum. It is intolerant of high heat, which limits its range in North Carolina to the mountains. Bloom peaks along the Parkway in Virginia are usually earlier than in North Carolina due to lower average elevation. Congo, Conversation Piece, and Nancy are good examples of Robin Hill cultivars. The flame azalea coined its name because of its candle flame-like buds. In the late fall or early winter, apply one to two inches of aged wood chips, leaf mold, or pine needles a few inches away from the main trunk. Image: Shutterstock Airlie Gardens 300 Airlie Road | Wilmington, NC Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Admission rates vary If we're being honest, there's probably no prettier place in North Carolina in the spring than Wilmington. Indeed, these shrubs thrive in the climate this state offers. Flower colors include magenta, mauve, pink, purple, red, and white. The Southgate series has been bred with heat tolerant forms of rhododendron. This farthest loop passes through a naturally wet area where you can easily spot large, prehistoric looking Cinnamon ferns. More Sun Tolerant and Cold-Hardy. Midseason is comprised of late spring and early summer, or May and June. This species is hardy in Zones 6-9. Planting in limy, alkaline soil is another mistakelack of iron quickly results in chlorosis (yellow leaves with green veins). . This month, as music and parade floats fill the streets of Wilmington and fireworks explode over the Cape Fear River, the North Carolina Azalea Festival will continue a celebration that began simply, with one mans love of flowers. For the evergreen azaleas that are likely hybrids, growing from seed will produce offspring that will not have the same desired characteristics, such as the same flower color. But if you buy online, this isnt always the case. Rhododendrons and azaleas are arguably one of the Southern gardener's favorite shrubs. Native to Florida and Georgia, common names include Florida flame or the honeysuckle, orange, or Southern yellow azalea. A couple are presently flowering and several others have swollen buds. Azaleas come in a wide range of mature sizes. Many people think of them as entirely different plants, but they both belong to the genus Rhododendron, which comprises more than 800 species and 10,000 named selections. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The Azalea Society of America notes that there are azaleas in Japan that have thrived for centuries! The royal azalea, R. schlippenbachii, is a midsized deciduous Korean species with a delicate fragrance and soft pink flowers that open in April and May. When using a powder rooting hormone, dip the cut end into water, shake off the water, dip into the hormone, and then plant. When the cuttings have rooted, gradually open the plastic, a few hours a day, to acclimate the plant. The following species and their cultivars provide early season interest. Cut the top five inches of the stem so that the uppermost is green but the base of the cut is woody. Craggy Mountains BLACK MOUNTAIN When pioneering naturalist William Bartram discovered the bright blooms of the. More coastal azaleas can be found farther back in the garden and these are just beginning to flower. Learn about landscaping with azaleas and the many varieties. Many cultivars are also grouped into series and are often named for the original plant breeder or the breeding location such as PJM for the Boston breeder Peter John Mezitt, or Ghent for the hybrids from Ghent, Belgium. Learn more: ncazaleafestival.org, capefeargardenclub.org. For late season hybrids, the reblooming series offer a second steady wave of flowers that open from mid to late summer, and continue through autumn until heavy frosts set in. In USDA Zone 9 and warmer, many azaleas will bloom again in the fall. Once planted, gently tamp the soil and water thoroughly. The Wildflower National Park Blooming Calendar. Dont forget that you may have to replace mulch from time to time. If your garden doesnt offer such conditions, make the necessary amendments. Hardy in Zones 4-9. In the South (Zones 8-10) this means September. But if your soil is so-so or you notice the leaves turning yellow between the veins, feed them with a slow-release, acid-forming azalea fertilizer that contains nitrogen and sulfur, such as Holly-tone or Scotts Evergreen, Flowering Tree & Shrub Food 11-7-7. to high elevation ranges of Kentucky . To get the most out of your plants, you must be careful at providing them with all their need to thrive. These azaleas are happily situated along the creek with a bit of shade. Cease pruning Encore Azaleas two months prior to the average first frost date in your area. Deciduous azaleas will tolerate more sun if you water them, however their stems will be shorter. Azaleas form flower buds during early summer if they receive adequate moisture. There should be condensation inside on the bag. Hardy in Zones 3 or 4 through 9, flowers come in beautiful shades of gold, lavender, orange, pink, rose, salmon, white, and yellow. For instance, the Cape Fear Garden Club offers tours of 13 stellar gardens, large and small ($20 per map/ticket). You will need a sterilized, razor-sharp knife or razor blade, rooting hormone, plastic bags, sterilized potting mix such as the bagged seed starting mix, and water. Choptank Rose and Varnados Salmon are examples of R. flammeum hybrids. At the North Carolina Arboretum, youll find every possible kind of azalea native to the U.S. Spot pinkshell azaleas near Grandfather Mountain. They offer early spring blossoms in bright colors. Hardy in Zones 5-8. A midsized deciduous species, it features clusters of lightly fragrant lavender, soft pink, or white flowers that open from April to May. Piedmont and the Sweet Azalea are your ideal option if you prefer pastel colors. But there are some in bloom currently, including in the Memorial Garden, and other species yet to come, such as those in the Blomquist. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), azaleas are toxic to dogs, cats and horses and can cause diarrhea, vomiting (not in horses), weakness and cardiac failure. This indicates sufficient moisture to keep the plant turgid. R. occidentale is a parent to many cultivars and hybrids including the well-known Knap Hill-Exbury series. Dig a shallow trench. Keep it at 40F to 50F for five to six weeks, from November to January, to encourage bud formation. Still, dont be afraid to experiment with, Do Asparagus Plants Multiply? Hope you get the chance to enjoy the Azalea Collection! photograph by Mark Vandyke. There are no hard and fast rules about the aforementioned dates for the three flowering groups, and many plants will overlap at the edges of two time frames. From a technical standpoint, azalea blooms are typically funnel-shaped and have five stamens, while rhododendron flowers are bell-shaped and have ten or more stamens. Azaleas adapted to Florida require 4-8 weeks of temperatures below 50F (10C) and generally begin to bloom between February and early April when warm temperatures follow this chilling period. Similarly, they will bloom earlier in warmer zones, and later in cooler zones. Size reduction pruning can also be performed in early fall, however, keep in mind that in doing so fall flowering will be diminished. In the spring, a common gift is a compact, blooming azalea plant called a florist's azalea. The mild temperatures and the slightly acidic soil conditions will help grow healthy plants. Rhododendrons bloom in late spring to early summer, when temperatures are warmer than freezing. Early Season Cultivars The new buds form in July so if you pruned after mid-July, you may have removed buds that would have produced next year's flowers. I don't have to hit the bugs directly. Known as the early or roseshell azalea, R. prinophyllum is native to northeastern North America. Check out Asheville's wildflower bloom schedule below to learn more about the region's most prominent native wildflowers and where to find them on your next visit. If it is too dry, water more often, amend the soil with more organic matter, and mulch. Fraser firs have an erect and conical growth habit with mature plants reaching upwards of 30 to 55 feet tall. The best time to plant azaleas in NC is in spring or fall. Homeowners will be able to enjoy them for a considerable amount of time since the flowers can last up to three weeks at a time. Often overlooked is the quietest, very last trail in the Azalea Garden. | Website by Web Publisher PRO. However, this plant doesnt have a high tolerance to the heat, meaning it might not perform well in the south. However, they do have a few requirements: moist, well-drained soil with high organic matter; light shade; and a pH range of 4.5-6. Consider purchasing azaleas that bloom later in the year. One spectacular coastal azalea can be found in full bloom in the front. Plants are hardy in Zones 6-10. Bloom times are divided into three flowering groups of early, mid, and late or fall flowering varieties. Call us at (425) 485-6059. This week in the Azalea Collection the Gregory Bald hybrids continue their steady progression toward peak bloom. Truly prized for its fragrance, this azalea welcomes you to the garden from all the way across Bent Creek. By Size. If inside, either a northern exposure window or under fluorescent lights for 16 hours per day. By: J.D. R. occidentale, the western azalea, is only found west of the Rocky Mountains. So you prune your azaleas in summer, they flush out with new growth, and now you have to protect your plants from prolonged drought and heat exposure. If they then have a period of four to eight weeks of temperatures below 50 F in the winter, they will break into bloom all at once the following spring, and stay in bloom about two weeks. Once you've cut away the infected areas, apply a fungicide spray designed to treat dieback as directed. Prized for its deep fragrance of musk and cloves, flowers are white to light pink and bloom from mid-May to August and the foliage gives excellent fall colors of orange to maroon. Not as extensive as other public gardens, but enjoyable nonetheless. If you are pruning an azalea in order to rejuvenate the plant because it's become spindly or sparse, locate three to five of the largest branches on the azalea bush. From Wycoff, New Jersey, Robin Hill azaleas are low to midsized evergreen shrubs that first flower from mid-May through June, then rebloom from late summer through fall. Plus, azaleas will usually bloom two to three times a year. Azaleas growing in acid, nutrient-rich soil don't need much fertilizer. Now, theyve expanded to a 64-acre farm in Guilford. Stunning Biltmore Estate Azaleas 12 Photos Are you an azalea lover? Flower colors include oranges, reds, and yellow and are among the latest to bloom, flowering in July and August. Fletchers beloved azaleas more than 60 varieties, including the Formosa azalea (this page) still reign supreme. Compared to the last couple of weeks, we have hit a bit of a lull in the Azalea Collection. Hardy in Zones 4-8. Ihope you have a chance to visit the garden to enjoy some of these azaleas brightening up our June. photograph by Millie Holloman Photography. Several deciduous and a few evergreen species make good landscape plants for midseason selection. Chi. Azaleas are divided into evergreen and deciduous categories. They feature intense bloom colors that are often lacking amongst evergreen hybrids, so if you're looking for a plant that packs a punch, a deciduous azalea might be the one for you. The Azaleas on Gregory Bald typically bloom in mid to late June. An Azalea for (Almost) Every Season. The reason for this is that azaleas prefer mild temperatures and will grow best when it's not too hot. They do best when planted in elevations of 4,000 to 6,700 feet with well-draining, moist soils. photograph by Millie Holloman Photography, The Azalea Festival Just don't take it all the way down; stop at about 1 foot off the ground. If they then have a period of four to eight weeks of temperatures below 50 F in the winter, they will break into bloom all at once the following spring, and stay in bloom about two weeks. Our State Magazine 2023, All rights reserved. The best time to plant azaleas is in spring and fall. There is no need for light until they germinate but make sure the room is warm, 70F to 75F. Hardy in Zones 6 or 7 through 10, depending on the cultivar, flowers come in a wide range of pinks, purples, reds, white, and bicolors. Deadheading might boost flower production. If your azaleas need an immediate pick-me-up, switch to Miracle-Gro Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron Plant Food. It has truly been a pleasure sharing the Azalea Collection with you this year and hope you continue to enjoy the Arboretums gardens and trails. In the large world of azaleas, plants are grouped according to a wide range of characteristics. Gold Lightning is an R. cumberlandense hybrid cross. Find your USDA Zone. As beautiful as they are, azaleas are toxic to both humans and animals. What Are The Best Varieties of Azaleas To Grow in North Carolina? There are several reasons why you may want to propagate azaleas. With its dishes made using family recipes, this colorful Mexican restaurant in Sanford earned recognition as one of the best new dining spots in the country. Dispose of infected plant material; don't compost to avoid spreading the fungus. Find out how to grow azaleas in Texas The water lily display in the Italian Garden is an absolute delight as you begin a stroll through the gardens. This symptom of chlorotic foliage can be caused by several factors, but the likely reason is that the soil pH is too high for azaleas. Best Selling Azaleas Formosa Azalea Shrub $ 29.99 Red Ruffles Azalea Shrub $29.99 George Taber Azalea Shrub $ 29.99 Autumn Empress Encore Azalea Shrub $ 54.99 Azalea Grow Guide There are thousands of varieties, hybrids, and wild species of azaleas and rhododendrons. What is in peak bloom in the Azalea Collection, and nearly anywhere on the Arboretum's 434 acres, are the mountain laurel ( Kalmia latifolia; pictured left ). Main menu. Check the soil and roots and see if it is too dry or too wet. This is called leaf scorch and can be caused by insufficient water, too much water (insufficient drainage), or too much fertilizer. The Made in the Shade series includes R. atlanticum cultivars such as My Mary and Rosy Cheeks.. Keep these variables in mind when planning for a prolonged flowering season! Hardy in Zones 5-9. Start by making sure your azaleas are planted in the right sun and soildappled shade and acidic soil that drains well. More than 1500 species of wildflowers are native to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, more than any other national park. Deadheading might boost flower production. Midsized deciduous shrubs, they produce large clusters of flower heads in brilliant shades of gold, orange, pink, red, white, and yellow as well as pastels. The following vegetables can be planted this month: beets, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, Swiss chard, broccoli, cauliflower, onion, and potatoes. Some azaleas bloomed early because of the warm winter, and then the frosts killed some of those blooms. While fertilizing, make sure you use acid-forming plant food, which should also be controlled-released. Most types generally prefer the partial sun or filtered shade beneath tall trees. Many gardeners prefer to transplant azaleas in April so they can group the plants according to their flower color. This azalea attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden. There are numerous early season cultivars and series. It should also be noted that bloom times can vary by a few to several weeks, depending on the weather. The Piedmont (Rhododendron canescens), pinxterbloom (Rhododendron periclymenoides) and Oconee (Rhododendron flammeum) azaleas are still flowering and though some are fading a bit, fresh blooms are still emerging. A large deciduous shrub with delicate, fragrant flowers of pink to peach, flower buds open from mid-March to the end of April, and plants are hardy in Zones 5-9. Upon entrance to the garden, three flameazaleas are blooming to create the perfect welcomingcommittee for yourvisit. By Color. What you are creating for these cuttings is a "mini greenhouse" so the cuttings can root without losing too much moisture. The following kinds of azaleas grow particularly well in North Carolina: Flame azaela. Vegetatively propagating azaleas (e.g., stem cuttings, layering, division), will ensure that the offspring will have the same characteristics as the original plant. The following cultivar series offer handsome midseason displays. They produce large clusters of flowers in striking variations of orange, pink, red, white, and yellow in late May and June. Insert drainage holes in a clean, plastic container such as a food storage box or shoe box. While rhododendrons generally do better in the Upper and Middle South, azaleas are more accommodating. July 2, 2022 by . Flowers open in early April and shrubs are hardy in Zones 6-7. Hardy in Zones 6-9. Shade tolerant, they prefer living near or under trees. As we are reaching the end of May, we still have many blooming azaleas to visit in the garden. The growth on the stem should be the current season's growth that has turned woody about five to six inches down. They do not like to compete with other plants for soil moisture. [Brookside] Frederic P. Lee Commendations, 1982 to 2011, Learn About Azaleasin their many varieties. Too little sun can cause azaleas to withhold blooms. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. Wildflowers bloom from late February thru September. They first flower in April and May, then produce a steady second wave of blooms from midsummer through fall. Also, don't fertilize before bloomyou'll encourage leafy growth at the wrong time. Trim all the other branches on the plant as though you're shaping the plant. A rooting hormone is optional with evergreen azaleas, but highly recommended for deciduous azaleas. These compact evergreen hybrids from Japan are prized for their masses of flowers that open from mid-March to mid-April. Cut these branches back by a third to a half. If Phytophthora is the culprit, removing the plant is likely the best way to stem fungal spread. Ask the Experts, LLC. Like any proper Southern garden, WRALs features dogwoods, rhododendrons, camellias, and hydrangeas. However, for the deciduous or species azalea plants, this may be an easier way to propagate as many of these are difficult to propagate from cuttings. This is from mid-April through May when the plant is in active growth and the stems are soft, green, new growth. Do not water overhead. Youll find beloved azaleas blooming at WRAL Gardens. Compared with other heavily blooming shrubs, azaleas are not hungry plants. This is because Azalea roots take in less water and nutrients when the soil is . Sprinkle the seeds on top. Several are used for breeding purposes as well. And how can you make the most out of them in this state? The Cumberland azalea, R. cumberlandense, is a low-growing deciduous species with vibrant flowers in shades of melon orange, peach, and crimson that blooms in June and July. You can find them in various colors and shapes. But azaleas get a bad rap for being finicky to grow and maintain, especially in the hot Texas sun. Cooler than usual temperatures usually postpone the blooming of the azaleas, while warmer than usual temperatures usually speed up the blooming process. You should not prune evergreen azaleas at the end of summer or in fall, 'because you want to avoid cutting off fall-produced flower buds that will be next spring's blooms,' they continue. The snowy white flowers may have a lemon yellow splash on their upper petals and emit a pleasant, lemony-spicy scent. You can find Bloom-A-Thon Hot Pink in quart containers at Nature Hills Nursery. Also, if you like the plant and are concerned it may get damaged, especially from a storm, you can take cuttings in case you have to replace the original plant. Homeowners will be able to enjoy them for a considerable amount of time since the flowers can last up to three weeks at a time. Blush Elegance, Purple Spectacular, and Red Magnificence are ReBloom hybrids. If any lace bugs show up after that, I spray with Cygon again. Mountains to coast, in suburban yards and along remote trails, the azalea perhaps more than any other native plant brings Southern charm wherever it grows. The North Carolina Azalea Festival's garden tours are led by the Azalea Belles. The Azalea Society has been nurturing these azaleas for over twenty years on the top of Hooper Bald. Popular varieties include 'Coral Bells' (salmon pink), 'Hinodegiri' (vivid red), 'Pink Pearl' (clear pink) and 'Snow' (white). Encourage rooting by injuring the branch first such as nicking, scraping, or twisting the branch where you want roots to form. In January, move to an area with bright, indirect light and warmer temperatures of 60F to 65F. Under the ideal conditions (and once you get familiar with what they need), they wont require much attention from your side. Right now several of the key players, Pinkshell, Florida and Mountain Azaleas, have swollen buds and could be in bloom as early as next week. For evergreen azaleas take the stem cutting in early summer, from June on. When treated well, their lifespans may be extended to extraordinary levels. When planting azaleas, fill the hole with a 50/50 blend of existing soil and Miracle-Gro Garden Soil for Trees & Shrubs. All our native azaleas are deciduous or bare of leaves in the winter, and many will spread from the roots (stoloniferous) making a clump or grouping as they mature. As we are getting late in the season to find native azaleas blooming, this will likely be the last entry for the year about The North Carolina Arboretums Azalea Collection. Most deciduous azaleas are stoloniferous when means that underground stems develop and grow away from the plant. Pruning to Control Size. This is not to undervalue the Piedmont azalea, also lovely in fragrance, which has been providing a wonderful backdrop to the garden for the past couple of weeks. However, there are still some lovely bloomingazaleas to be found. If you live in North Carolina, you are lucky enough to be able to enjoy azaleas at their maximum levels of beauty. Hardy in Zones 7-9. Very pleasant walking the various paths a did get to see azaleas, tulips and daffodils in bloom. Discover the beauty of rare, insectivorous Venus flytraps or pitcher-plants, native orchids, azaleas and other wildflowers that bloom in profusion in season. Prune Azaleas and Camellias after they bloom and push the yearly flush of growth. "I was kind of baffled when I saw the blooms," Cash said. Normal bloom occurs from late March to mid-April. Plan your bloom times from the different flowering groups and mix species plants with cultivars for an appealing floral display that adds fragrance, lovely fall colors, and interesting structure as well. You can do some shaping while plants bloomtry using cut branches in arrangements. While most folks tend to think of azaleas as spring flowering, there are many types that bloom in summer and fall as well. There are many different cultivars of azaleas, so the blooming period can vary somewhat. The ideal time for fertilizing your Encore Azaleas is immediately after their spring blooms fade away. April Redbuds and dogwoods are among the best-known trees to blossom in spring. . Depending on the cultivar, they can be hardy in zones 6 to 10. Lavender, Hot Pink, and Red are three options in the Bloom-A-Thon series. GARDENER'S PATH IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. . As mentioned above, this is caused by a very small insect called a lace bug, which usually resides under the leaves and sucks the chlorophyll from the plant. When you buy locally, garden centers typically carry stock appropriate for your region. Because azalea hardiness ratings can vary significantly, its important to check that plants are suitable for your region. three to four weeks You may enjoy the flowers for up to three weeks at a time. Spacious porches, Spanish moss, and sweet azalea blooms what could feel more quintessentially Southern than springtime in Wilmington? Remove from oven, and let stand for 5 minutes. The Azalea Collection is really beginning to draw the attention of faithful azalea aficionados, as well as those of us who are just fortunate enough to stumblein at the right time. The celebration attracts thousands with a heady mix of events. Anthony Koster, Arneson Gem, and Christopher Wren are all Mollis cultivars. Its distinctive red pistils and filaments are seen in its white to light pink blossoms. Hardy in Zones 6-8, Glenn Dale provides a long season of blooms from April to June. You may have to "pin" it with landscape pins, large paper clips, or a rock to keep the branch in place. However, the staggered opening nicely extends the bloom time as well. These beauties flower in spring, then again in midsummer to fall! You might be happy to hear that azaleas are the ideal plants for North Carolinas gardens. The Azalea Festival WILMINGTON, APRIL 3-7 This month, as music and parade floats fill the streets of Wilmington and fireworks explode over the Cape Fear River, the North Carolina Azalea Festival will continue a celebration that began simply, with one man's love of flowers. When using a powder rooting hormone, dip the cut end into water, shake off the water, dip into the hormone, and then plant. It's simply in its nature to show off. Azaleas in bloom. Hope everyone has a chance to enjoy them for yourselves but, either way, please enjoy these rainy day photos from this past week. The early group starts to flower in late winter to early spring, roughly from February to April.