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Article: AZALEAS AT THE ARBORETUM: ANTIDOTE FOR WINTER
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- April 21, 1989
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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Azaleas are probably the most widely planted flowering shrubs in
the D.C. area. Takoma Park bills itself as the azalea capital of the
world. The National Arboretum has a collection of more than 1,900
species.
JAPANESE GARDENERS have been cultivating azaleas for centuries.
English and Dutch traders in the 16th century probably introduced
them to Europe.
AZALEAS AND RHODODENDRONS are members of the heath family and are
closely related to blueberries, cranberries, trailing arbutus and
mountain laurel.
AZALEAS FALL INTO FIVE BASIC GROUPS:
Semievergreens with white, pink or red flowers derived from
Japanese species.
Deciduous species with orange-red flowers.
Wild deciduous plants with ...