American Azaleas

Other than a few Asiatic and one European species, North America is home to all the deciduous azaleas, members of the genus Rhododendron. There are native American azaleas suitable for a wide variety of garden environments. Gardeners interested in knowing more about these attractive, usually fragrant shrubs will discover here the diversity to be found in the species and will learn about recent trends in cultivation, selection, and hybridization. American azaleas are not used as much as they should be in gardens and in landscaping, even in areas where the plants are native and are common along roadsides. The author offers expert recommendations on all the horticultural aspects important for growing these colorful shrubs, including siting, soil preparation, and companion plantings. His coverage of the native species and the cultivars is comprehensive and up to date. The book provides all that the reader needs to enjoy the year-round pleasures offered by American azaleas.

Media reviews of this book:

"Towe provides a handy list of growers, as well as the names of plant societies devoted to azaleas. Altogether a useful and much-needed book on a group of native plants that deserve to be better known."

—John Van de Water, Newark Star-Ledger, April 11, 2005

"It may come as a surprise to learn that there are actually 15 native azalea species and more than 100 hybrids and cultivated varieties. ... You'll find them all in American Azaleas."

—John Van de Water, Newark Star-Ledger, April 10, 2005

"Towe ... provides the reader with not only the basics of growing them successfully, but with the more technical aspects of their culture, including propagation."

—Richard Churchill, People Places Plants, Spring 2005

"Towe's species descriptions — a subject that can be quite confusing — are the most straightforward and most complete that I have seen in any book. "

—Dick Bir, American Gardener, January/February 2005

"Evident in the book is Towe's firsthand experience with native azaleas and his personal knowledge of their habits and cultivation... The native azalea enthusiast will find Towe's book a needed and cherished addition to the bookshelf. The more casual reader will likely join the ranks of the azalea enthusiasts upon reading the book."

—Mary Tucker, Nativescape, July 2005

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Customer reviews of this book:

"Nice book, tons of photos!"

—Virginia Shen from Montvale, New Jersey, June 22, 2007

"Wonderful information I have longed to know for years. Thank you!"

—Henry J. from Jacksonville, Florida, June 21, 2007

"Very informative and useful."

—George K. from Leavenworth, Kansas, July 22, 2005

"Very readable, informative, and entertaining."

—Thomas R. from Bellaire, Ohio, March 22, 2005

"Very practical and informative. Enjoyable reading."

—Don B. from Pineville, North Carolina, July 30, 2004