I suppose it’s possible that the brilliantly colored and fragrant, deciduous Exbury azaleas could be chopped to fit a smaller garden, but this would curtail the extravagance that makes them a mid-spring favorite in this garden. While the white flowered Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus, below) in the background fades after a long week, the orange, pink/ red, and yellow azaleas are colorful from bud to fading flowers for most of a month.

The orange ‘Gibraltar’ is first (below), with the others following close behind. Among many spring highlights, the scene of the white fringetree fronting three huge azaleas is the one I enjoy most.

When first planted I had no clue the Exburys would grow much taller than the six to eight feet (or even shorter) claimed by references, but everything in this garden grows taller and wider than references admit to. At fifteen feet in height there’s more to love. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

While the common, evergreen azaleas must be shaded from the late afternoon sun, Exburys prefer sun. I’ve never seen a bit of scorch, and even if I was inclined to provide special care, they require none.