Family: Ericaceae
Species: Rhododendron spp. L.
Common Names: Azalea and Rhododendron
Etymology: The genus name derives from the Ancient Greek word "rhodon," meaning "rose," and "dendron," meaning "tree," in reference to the typical pink flowers found in nature. The epithet "azalea" comes from "azaleós," meaning "dry," as some varieties prefer arid soils.
Description: The Azalea is a plant belonging to the family Ericaceae and falls under the genus Rhododendron. Thus, it is essentially a variety of Rhododendron, although it exhibits some subtle morphological differences. For instance, its size is generally smaller (with a height not exceeding 90 cm), and flowering consists of a single bud per stem rather than clustered flowers.
Azaleas are shrubs with an elongated or rounded habit. They have thin, densely branched shoots that are dark in color and woody in texture.
The foliage consists of leaves measuring 3-7 cm, dark green and glossy on the upper side, but lighter (sometimes almost white) or rusty colored on the underside, which may also be slightly hairy. The leaf margins are entire and revolute, and they feel somewhat rough to the touch.
Blooming occurs in spring (from March to May, depending on the variety); the trumpet-shaped flowers can be either single or double and emerge at the tips of the branches, offering delightful colors of white, red, or pink.
Like all Ericaceae, they have a shallow root system; their fine roots compact and form a symbiotic relationship with microscopic fungi.
Habitat: The native land of the azalea is Asia, specifically the forested and humid areas of this continent.
Properties and Uses: Many species are used as ornamental plants.
Notes and Curiosities: The azalea arrived in our country in the early 1800s through English wool merchants who came to Northern Italy. The area around the Great Lakes constitutes its natural environment, as it prefers cool, partially shaded zones sheltered from the wind. The plant requires soil with a tendency toward acidic pH and rich in natural humus. In gardens, plants chosen often emit a pleasant fragrance reminiscent of carnation and honeysuckle, with hints of honey.
It is often considered a flower of good fortune; according to tradition, keeping it in a home or garden brings calmness and temperance to the spaces it occupies. In Heller Garden, they line the park pathways and during their bloom, they evoke strong emotions in visitors due to the many hues of their flowers, ranging from various shades of pink to bright red, intense purple, and pure white, with an infinite variety of shades and color combinations. The flowering lasts for many weeks.