More azalea varieties at Brookgreen Gardens

Brookgreen Gardens is a national treasure with stunning, sometimes whimsical sculptures set in acres of horticulture splendor. Not long ago, I was visiting, and although beautiful at any time of the year, the long drive in was breathtaking as the Formosa and Judge Solomon, both purple pink but with a subtle difference, were in full flower. These Indica azaleas are big and extremely long lived if grown in under pines or with afternoon shade; at abandoned houses in the country you see them still blooming. If you have more than a patio yard, consider growing them. They come in several shades of purple, light pink, and white. I know that Encore azaleas are a popular now, but to me, the glory of the traditional azalea season is worth waiting for from year to year, just like Christmas.