In 1776, about the time our country was declaring it's independence from the throne of England, naturalist William Bartram entered the Cherokee territory alone and on foot. Batram was determined to document as many species of flora and fauna as possible on his expedition.
On one such adventure, he had his first observation of the native Flame Azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum) and described it this way:
" the clusters of the blossoms cover the shrubs in such incredible profusion on the hill sides, that suddenly opening to view from dark shades, we are alarmed with the apprehension of the hill being set on fire. This is certainly the most gay and brilliant flowering shrub yet known" (William Bartram "Travels" 1791)
The Flame Azalea still puts on a spectacular show in June in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Look for the gorgeous plant in open areas in the high elevations of the Smokies.
My favorite areas for viewing the flowers are by car on Balsam Mountain Road, or by hiking to Andrews Bald. The first to second week in June are usually optimal for Flame Azalea blooms, but a week or two later in the highest elevations.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers something special for the visitor in every season of the year. But if you happen to be there in June, head for the high elevations and the Flame Azalea.
It is an unforgettable display of nature's excellence!
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All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate Better Homes and Gardens Metro Brokers, Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2009. Richard Weisser REOS, E-Pro. licensed Auctioneer. 770-827-6225.
Learn more about Coweta County and Fayette County Georgia Real Estate, and to search the entire Georgia MLS for free with no registration required. Visit CowetaFayetteRealEstate.com! Photos of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. North Georgia Photos.
Richard...up here in the nort land...we buy versions of these at our local farm and garden stores and try to keep them over winter!
Richard...you do have some great photo's. I love photography but know very little.
Richard - that is a wonderful flower- thank you from Montana- where the azalea's not grow so easily!
Bill...
In the high elevations of the Smokies, the weather is similar to Massachusetts, so these actually do very well in harsh winters! Thanks, my friend.
Vern...
Thanks, I have been taking a lot of photos for a long time, so I'm glad when they are well received. THX.
Debra...
It's hard to grow ANYTHING in Montana! THX for the comment.
Richard,
What a spectular flower. Our Azalea's are not near as beautiful! Your photo is wonderful! Thanks for sharing.
Richard - What a gorgeous flower. We have some beautiful azalea's here but I have never seen a Flame Azalea. Your photo captured it in all is beauty.
Richard - never saw the flame azalea - we have gazillions of them here but not the flame type... Gorgeous...
If I didn't know better I would say that this is your most favorite place in the world to photograph. Awesome job my friend.
Dorie...
These are indigenous natives, and thrive in the cold environments of the Smokies and most of the Southern Appalachian range. They are beautiful bloomers, that's for sure! THX
Donna...
They have some orange hybrids that do OK in the lowlands, but they do not compare to the mountain natives. Thanks.
Kathy...
They really are a sight to see in the wilderness garden! Thanks for the comment.
Richard, you take the best photographs of the most interesting subject matter. Azaelas growing in the wild must be nice.
Richard,
I don't think I've ever heard of or seen this flower before. Spectacular! :)
Steve
I've never seen this type of Azalea in our area thanks for the photos is is quite stunning.
Richard, that is beautiful! I just love them, must be breathtaking to see them in the wild!
What a beautiful flower! I have not had the opportunity to get up into the Smokies since we moved down here, but I was there about 30 years ago and thought it to be beautiful. As soon as the chance arises you can bet we will be making a trip into the mountains! Stunning views!
What can I say, that is a sharp looking plant my friend.
Hi Richard,
That certainly is a beautiful flower. I have yet to spend time in the Smokies...I hope to.