Rhododendron canescens is a familiar harbinger of spring that can be seen blooming along wooded roadsides throughout the South this time of year. Its common names include Native Azalea (a general term for numerous native rhododendrons), Piedmont Azalea, Mountain Azalea, Honeysuckle Azalea, Sweet Azalea, Pinxterflower, among others.
Brian,
I love the wild azalea. It blooms before its foliage obscures its blossoms. The smell of its flowers is ever so sweet. Years ago I transplanted one from Jeff Davis County to my place in Acworth. It has grown into a large bush and annually produces beautiful clusters of dark pink flowers. On my place, I have other native azaleas but none so vigorous and attractive as this transplant. I think that it is because it came from my South Georgia home where things have always grown bigger and better.
Yellow and orange cultivars do grow in Georgia and present that wonderful smell with which we are all familiar.
I love that Honeysuckle. My grandmother had one of these behind her house that was orange. Smelled the same as the pink ones,but I’ve never seen another orange one.