7 Places to See Louisiana’s Native Azaleas in Spring
These floral-filled destinations boast the state's brightest blooms.
These floral-filled destinations boast the state's brightest blooms.
Every spring, like clockwork, botanical gardens, parks and front yards throughout Louisiana become colored with rich pink, white, purple and fuchsia blooms of azaleas. The flowering bush, a native of Asia, was imported to the U.S. almost 200 years ago and has become one of the most recognizable fixtures in Southern landscaping. From early March through late May, azaleas nearly explode into colorful blossoms. Here are just a few of the best places to find these gorgeous flowers in bloom in Louisiana.
1. Kisatchie National Forest
Near Woodworth
The appropriately named Wild Azalea Trail in Kisatchie National Forest is a backcountry getaway for nature lovers of all kinds. Approximately 31 miles long, the Wild Azalea Trail was designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind, so short trips and overnight stays are easy to make happen. Head to this remote landscape of bottomland hardwood forests and rolling hills to discover Louisiana’s natural side. Expect to see blossoming azaleas from March through early April.
2. Afton Villa Gardens
Afton Villa Gardens is named for Afton Villa Plantation, a Gothic antebellum mansion that was destroyed in 1963. The long driveway leading to the ruins of the plantation’s “big house” is filled with azaleas underneath wide, shady oak trees. Visit at just the right time of year in springtime (late March through very early April for azaleas), and you’ll see a sea of color at Afton Villa Gardens.
3. Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site
You’ll learn about the lives of wealthy planters Daniel and Martha Barrow Turnbill, and take a walk through Louisiana’s early 19th-century history, at this Louisiana State Historic Site. It’s also where you’ll find Martha’s “pleasure gardens,” a vast 28-acre landscape of greenery that includes crape myrtles, cryptomeria and many azaleas. Azaleas typically bloom from early March through late May, but check the Louisiana State Parks website for updates.
Rosedown State Historic Site
Afton Villa Gardens
Jungle Gardens on Avery Island
Rip Van Winkle Gardens
4. Jackson Square
Jackson Square is an awe-inspiring destination, even for longtime New Orleanians. A city square built in the same style as a French place d’armes, it’s surrounded by St. Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo and Presbytère (part of the Louisiana State Museums system), the Pontalba apartments and Washington Artillery Park, which overlooks the Mississippi River. The centerpiece of Jackson Square is its garden, within which you’ll find azaleas blooming during the spring season, with a peak in late March or early April.
5. New Orleans Botanical Garden
The Zemurray Azalea and Camellia Garden is an inspiring, peaceful part of the New Orleans Botanical Garden in City Park, where winding paths take visitors past meticulously placed azaleas. You’ll find more azaleas in bloom throughout the Botanical Garden, and outside it, too, especially in March, April and early May.
6. Jungle Gardens & Rip Van Winkle Gardens
Head to New Iberia and make your way a little bit south to find Avery Island, home to the famed TABASCO® hot sauce and nearby Jungle Gardens. The gardens, founded by the same family that created TABASCO®, feature a 170-acre tropical paradise filled with greenery. While Jungle Gardens is open year-round, springtime is your best bet to find many of its colorful plants (including azaleas) in bloom. Don't miss nearby Rip Van Winkle Gardens & The Joseph Jefferson House. This lush landscape is bucket-list worthy!
7. Lafayette Azalea Trail
Known as the capital of Cajun Country, Lafayette is an easygoing South Louisiana city with a thriving culture and endless reasons to visit. One such reason is the Lafayette Azalea Trail, a 25-mile network of streets where you’ll find azaleas outside historical homes. The trail begins at Lafayette Travel’s visitor center and goes past Mouton Plantation and the Sterling Grove Historic District, into downtown Lafayette, around Mouton Gardens and Girard Park, and numerous magnificent homes. It’s at peak bloom in March, but still worth exploring year-round.
You don’t have to limit your outdoor adventures to springtime — Louisiana’s natural beauty shines all year long. Our summers are sunny and warm, perfect for swimming, boating and fishing. Our winters are short and sweet, ideal for daytime golf, hiking and biking. Plan your trip to the Sportsman’s Paradise today.
