Here’s the latest estimate for azalea and rhododendron bloom: peak display between April 14 and 22, with some azaleas and rhododendrons blooming before and after the range. Of course, the Winterthur Garden is beautiful anytime!
Carol Long goes out on an azalea-laden branch to make a prediction of when Winterthur’s azaleas will peak. Please don’t hold us to this!
I do not think that I have ever been in more demand—prediction wise—than this year! I double-checked my prediction with Susan in Azalea Woods and with the flower buds swelling as they are, combined with the cooler temperatures that are predicted for the next 10 days (finally) we are guessing that the azaleas will be putting on a good display in mid-April.
There is already some color showing on the Rhododendron kaempferi (torch) azaleas but they always flower earlier than the Kurume hybrids which I suspect is what most people come to see. As the middle of the month approaches the timing can be pinned down a bit better but this will give guests a rough timeframe. After that I will attempt the timing on the peonies!
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In walking from the Visitors Center to the Museum I see pretty fat buds on the peonies – a month early I’m guessing — a crazy but beautiful spring!