The azaleas of D.C.

While cherry blossoms get all the attention, the azaleas are also an iconic spring sight in D.C.

The National Arboretum has an azalea collection that is believed to be the largest in the country. It was planted in the late 1940’s, and blankets a large hillside in vibrant colors.

©Angela N.
©Angela N.

Azaleas in Capitol Hill

Azaleas are found all around the Capitol grounds

©Miki Jourdan
©Miki Jourdan
Senate Park ©Angela N.

Azaleas up close

©Rob Klug
©Miki Jourdan
©Rob Klug
©Miki Jourdan
©Rob Klug

Bees

Azaleas are one of the first spring flowers that bees like to feed on.

©Angela N.
©Rob Klug
©Rob Klug

Almost destroyed

In 2010, the azalea collection at the National Arboretum was almost destroyed – the Arboretum wanted to remove it because it attracted too many visitors, was missing a lot of the original labels, and for lack of funding for maintenance. As with many such potential crises, once stories about it started being published, the decision was reversed. You can read about it in this article from the Washington Gardener.


More information on the National Arboretum’s collection

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5 Comments

  1. Wow! They’re all wonderful, but I especially like the close-ups — they’re rarely photographed this way. Congrats to all.

  2. Of all the various Azalea gardens I have seen over the years, particularly in the southern states, none rivals the spectacular explosion of colors, varieties and sheer volume spread out over a very large area – than can be seen in the National Arboretum. Simply stunning!

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