It's not just hydrangeas blooming—80,000 azaleas are in full glory as Yangmingshan’s “Azalea Season” also kicks off

▲ Aside from the hydrangea season, the azaleas in Yangmingshan are also in bloom now. (Photo/FromYangmingshan Flower Season Fan Page, the same below)

By reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Comprehensive report

As winter draws to a close and early spring arrives in March, it’s the season when all flowers bloom. In addition to the explosive blooming of Yoshino cherry blossoms, the flowering of wisteria, and the arrival of the hydrangea season, clusters of azaleas, heavy with buds, have taken over the space once occupied by green leaves. They are gearing up to announce the official start of Azalea Season with great anticipation.

The azalea is the city flower of Taipei. From March to May each year, various types of azaleas can be seen adorning parks and turning them into vibrant floral gardens. If you want to admire the “azalea-lined paths” where beauty lies in their sheer numbers, then you mustn’t miss the azalea-lined path along Hubin Road heading toward Yangmingshan Park. When around 80,000 azaleas bloom together, they always captivate visitors, making them pause and linger.

▲ The various flower paths in Yangmingshan attract many tourists to take photos.

The Taipei City Public Works Department stated that the most numerous azaleas in Yangmingshan Park are the golden azaleas. The largest one is about 3 meters wide and nearly 2 meters tall. When sunlight shines on it, the golden fuzz on the leaves glistens brilliantly, and the brick-red flowers stand out vividly against the fresh greens of spring.

If you want to see a variety of azalea species, then you definitely must visit the Flower Trial Center. Inside the center, there are over 80 different cultivated or introduced varieties. The Flower Trial Center also features native Taiwanese azalea species, such as the Wulai azalea, Xishi azalea, and Shoucheng Man Shan Hong azalea, which are a feast for the eyes. Mr. Li, who frequently hikes in the Yangmingshan area, said: “Yangmingshan has long been famous for its azaleas. You can see all kinds of native azalea species here. Right now, about 40% are in bloom, but more will bloom soon. I especially love the old golden azalea trees in Yangmingshan Park—they’re incredibly beautiful.”

Beyond the mountainous areas, azaleas can also be spotted all over the city. The Public Works Department noted that large parks such as Rongxing Garden, Qianshan Park, Civic Square and surrounding government office areas, Xinglong Park, and Nangang Park all offer colorful displays of azaleas.

Additionally, roadside azaleas often become eye-catching focal points for pedestrians and drivers. Major roads such as Ren’ai Road, Dunhua North & South Roads, Diding Boulevard, Minquan East & West Roads, Zhongxiao East Road, Zhonghua Road, Mangka Boulevard, Songjiang Road, Xinyi Road, Guangfu South Road, Xinglong Road, Roosevelt Road, and Xiangyang Roundabout are almost entirely lined with blooming azaleas, making it clear to anyone who sees them: spring has truly arrived.

For more updates on the status of azalea blooms, you can also check the Taipei New Bloom website (http://flowers.taipei.gov.tw).