When Do Azaleas Bloom? A Detailed Guide to Their Blooming Period

1. East Azaleas and West Azaleas

Although China is the place of origin of azaleas and has many native azalea species, many of the azaleas we admire come from abroad. They generally enter China through two routes: one is breeding and hybridization in Japan, after which they enter the country, and the other is entry from Europe. We generally call the azaleas that enter China from Japan East Azaleas, and those that enter from Europe West Azaleas.

Both bloom in winter and spring, but the East Azalea's blooming period is slightly earlier, and it can begin blooming about after New Year's Day. The West Azalea blooms later, roughly around the Spring Festival.

2. Four-Season Azalea

In the past dozen years or so, a variety of azalea called the Four-Season Azalea has often been seen on the market, and it has no fixed blooming period. Its main blooming period is similar to that of the West Azalea, around the Spring Festival. Beyond that, as long as it is cared for properly and the environment is suitable, it can also bloom at other times, but the number of flowers is not as great as during its main blooming period. However, once summer temperatures rise above 30°C, it generally stops blooming; in a cool environment, it can bloom.