Azaleas…flowering shrubs in the genus Rhododendron. In Chinese culture, the azalea is know as the “thinking of home bush” (sixiang shu). En.m.wikipedia.org

The azalea is one of the first signs of Spring in the Lowcountry and the South’s favorite shrub according to Southern Living  magazine. While still living up North I looked forward to coming down here every April and seeing all the beautiful blooms. Now that I live here it will be my  “thinking of home bush” also! Most of the ones I’ve seen this Spring are a bright magenta color, with white being the second most popular color. They come in other shades of pink, lavender and orange. They grow well under the shade of tall oaks and pines, and are popular as foundation plants.  It is the end of their blooming season as I write this post and although I will miss their colorful blooms I will see them again next Spring!