Colorful Native Azaleas Rooted in Auburn’s Living Collections
The Auburn Azalea Series reflects the mission of Auburn University’s Donald E. Davis Arboretum: to display and preserve living plant collections and native southeastern plant communities in order to inspire understanding of the natural world and our connection to it.
Developed through more than 40 years of breeding, trialing and selection, these deciduous azaleas bring a rainbow of color to the garden across an extended bloom season.
Unlike the common evergreen azaleas often seen in Southern landscapes, Auburn Azaleas draw from the beauty and diversity of native deciduous azaleas. During and between bloom times, they support pollinators and herbivores, provide shelter for wildlife, sequester carbon and help reduce the impact of stormwater runoff.
Our Story
The Auburn Azaleas are the result of decades of work through Auburn University’s Donald E. Davis Arboretum. These selections combine the hardiness and extended bloom season of native deciduous azaleas with the beauty and garden performance of outstanding horticultural selections.
Growing and sharing these azaleas helps the Arboretum teach students about nature, conserve rare plant species and provide Auburn students with a living classroom in the heart of campus.
