There is something to be said for being a longtime resident. While it does limit one’s viewpoint from a global perspective, it promotes focus on perfecting traits which are close to home and applicable to the situation.
The unique, and very pleasant, environment of north Florida’s spring is an excellent example of near perfection on a localized basis. The weather (within reason), the fauna and the flora are tailored to a superior quality of life, especially the March blooming native plants.
The human residents of panhandle Florida can easily see this in a plant which flowers during this time period. Native wild azaleas make random appearances in woodlands while their cultivated cousins from Asia are now mostly the province of retail establishments.
Wild Piedmont Azaleas (Rhododendron canescens) are attractive early season bloomers being established in forested locations. They also complement residential landscapes but require close attention to their needs. In addition to attractive blooms, they are a source of food for native pollinators.
Azaleas are members of the Rhododendron genus which includes flowering shrubs of the same name which grow in more northern latitudes. Their popularity as flowering perennials has led to the development of more than 10,000 cultivars worldwide which please almost every taste for a profuse and showy burst of color.
These plants have species native to southwest Europe, Asia, and North America. They are believed to date back 70 million years and have an ancestor in common with blueberries and pieris.
Many of the azaleas which grace the yards and gardens regionally are traced back to east Asian stock. These cultivars had been grown for millennia, but they reached Europe in the early 17th Century when wealthy estate owners were seeking a new and unique look for their landscapes.
When azaleas arrived in America, there were 26 different native azaleas already growing here. At least four of them are native to Florida and can be presently seen in both natural settings and managed landscapes.
Like the long cultivated Asian varieties, the azaleas native to Florida prefer acidic soils and filtered light. They can be found in forested areas and near streams or rivers.
The native azaleas are rather scraggly and upright when very young but will spread out and fill in as they mature. The large, dark green leaves bend the branches gently to form a cascading appearance down to the ground.
A single specimen in a formal landscape should be allowed at least four to five feet of spread to develop into its natural form. These plants are very sensitive to dry soil, but their soil habitat should drain freely of excessive moisture.
A thick mulch of three inches deep is recommended to help ensure adequate root growth when cultivated out of their natural environment. Roots are located in the top several inches, even in well-drained sandy soils, so adequate mulching is critical to success.
Pruning of these natives is seldom necessary except to control shoots extending above the normally mounded shape. Azaleas bloom on the previous year’s growth so any pruning should be done after flowering, but before July.
Mass azalea plantings add a stark color contrast to any landscape. The green background of March and April, with swatches of boldly bright blossoms, is a striking sight.
The wild azaleas add an enduring continuity to the ever-changing scenery in contemporary times. Some things should never change, especially in comfortable north Florida.
Leave a Reply