Formosa Azaleas

The most commonly seen and familiar azalea in the South is the old standby, Formosa.  It gets huge - sometimes 8' x 8' or even bigger - and is covered in blooms for a couple of weeks.  They are everywhere around where I live.  My house came with one and I would never consider cutting it down.  I don't care if it looks like a green meatball for the rest of the year because right now it is breath-taking.  Below is a shot of the whole bush.  Isn't it lovely?

The blooms look just as good up close.  I've taken some close shots of the blooms for your enjoyment.  You northerners that get to grow lilacs can eat your hearts out!  : )