April is Native Plant Month, making it the perfect time to celebrate the beauty and importance of native species. Native azalea is one of my favorites, and it is currently putting on a spectacular show.

Throughout this month, I’ll highlight other native plants that thrive in our region.

The Mississippi State University Crosby Arboretum in Picayune has numerous native azaleas blooming in their natural setting. These stunning plants thriving in their ideal habitat brighten the understory of pine savannas and woodlands with their brilliant colors and delicate fragrance.

These azaleas are a breathtaking reminder of native plants’ importance to our local ecosystems.

In spring, native azalea shrubs burst into bloom with clusters of flowers that seem to float like clouds along their branches. Their blossoms range from soft pastel pinks and warm golden yellows to fiery red-oranges and creamy whites, often with subtle gradients that give them a watercolor-like appearance.

Many varieties feature long, elegant stamens that extend gracefully beyond the petals, creating a wispy, almost lacy effect. Their sweet, lightly spicy fragrance drifts through the air, making azaleas a delight to the senses.

Blooms provide an early-season nectar source for pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds, enhancing the garden with movement and life.

Unlike evergreen azaleas which hold their leaves year-round, native azaleas are deciduous, meaning they shed their foliage in the fall. As cooler temperatures set in, their leaves often turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange or red before dropping, adding another layer of seasonal interest to the landscape.

In winter, their bare, sculptural branches provide a stark yet exquisite contrast against the dormant garden.

By early spring, their new flower buds begin to swell before bursting into bloom, often before new leaves emerge. By conserving energy during the colder months, the plants can put on a spectacular floral display as the growing season begins.

Native azaleas thrive in well-drained, acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. They prefer dappled shade, making them a perfect choice for woodland gardens or beneath the canopy of tall trees.

While they are relatively low-maintenance, native azaleas benefit from consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. A layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture and protects their shallow roots.

With the right conditions, these lovely shrubs will reward gardeners with breathtaking blooms year after year.

Native azaleas with their delicate blossoms, sweet fragrance and graceful presence are a perfect example of how these plants enrich natural landscapes and home gardens.