Azalea Flowers
Azaleas are flowering shrubs comprising two of the eight subgenera of the genus Rhododendron: the Tsutsuji and Pentanthera. Azaleas bloom in spring, their flowers often lasting several weeks. Shade tolerant, they prefer living near or under trees.
Cultivation of Azalea
Plant enthusiasts have selectively bred azaleas for hundreds of years. This human selection has produced over 10,000 different cultivars which are propagated by cuttings. Azalea seeds can also be collected and germinated. Azaleas are generally slow-growing and do best in well-drained acidic soil (4.5-6.0 pH). Fertilizer needs are low; some species need regular pruning. Azaleas are native to several continents including Asia, Europe and North America. They are planted abundantly as ornamentals in the southeastern USA, southern Asia,and parts of southwest Europe.
Cultural significance of Azalea
In Chinese culture, the azalea is known as "thinking of home bush" and is immortalized in the poetry of Du Fu and is used to rich effect in contemporary stories such as by Taiwanese author Pai, Hsien-Yung. The azalea is also one of the symbols of the city of São Paulo, in Brazil. In addition to being renowned for its beauty, the Azalea is also highly toxic it contains andromedotoxins in both its leaves and nectar, including honey from the nectar. The Azalea and Rhododendron were once so infamous for their toxicity that to receive a bouquet of their flowers in a black vase was a well-known death threat.
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