An azalea is a flowering shrub known for its spectacular springtime blooms. When azaleas flower, they become covered in clusters of bright, showy blossoms in colors like pink, red, white, purple, or orange. The flowers are so abundant that they sometimes completely hide the plant's leaves, transforming gardens and hillsides into waves of color.

Azaleas grow wild in many parts of Asia and North America, and gardeners prize them for their beauty and reliability. They prefer shady spots with acidic soil and plenty of moisture. In the American South, azaleas are especially beloved, and some cities host annual azalea festivals when the plants reach peak bloom in March and April.

Azaleas belong to the rhododendron family. While all azaleas are rhododendrons, not all rhododendrons are azaleas. Azaleas typically have smaller leaves and more delicate flowers than their larger rhododendron cousins.