Azalea japonica
Most azaleas we are familiar with today are descended from Asian shrubs, and were originally cultivated by monks of the Buddhist monasteries. The first azalea in Europe was brought from Java to the Netherlands in 1680. Across Europe, breeding of any kind was in the hands of the aristocracy. England was initially home to the most crossings. At that time, azaleas were extremely rare and expensive.
Azalea japonica
Most azaleas we are familiar with today are descended from Asian shrubs, and were originally cultivated by monks of the Buddhist monasteries. The first azalea in Europe was brought from Java to the Netherlands in 1680. Across Europe, breeding of any kind was in the hands of the aristocracy. England was initially home to the most crossings. At that time, azaleas were extremely rare and expensive.