The “Azalea of Ghent” certainly shouldn’t be lacking at the Floralies of Ghent. The showpiece of the

Ghent flower region will be displayed in the most fashionable way during the coming Floralies.The origin of the Azalea of Ghent goes back to China, Taiwan and Japan. In 1774 the master gardener Judocus Huytens brought the plant to Ghent where the azalea was displayed during the Floralies of Ghent. The popularity of the plant in the Ghent region is expending ever since.

Adrien Saverwijns, Engineer Information Ornamental Plant Cultivation of the Department Agriculture and Fishery explains the reason for it.
“We give it the name of “Ghent Azalea” as the growing facilities in our region are perfect for the cultivation of Azaleas”.

3 Factors play an important role.

First of all we ought to mention the physical elements. Azaleas need a temperate sea climate, a sufficiently humid climate without extreme temperatures. Together with those elements, the permeable, light, sandy soil and a good water quality contribute to ideal growing circumstances.
Second factors are economical and social elements. Horticulture developed around the cities, nearby its consumers and consequently ideal for commercialization.
All Azalea growers and their suppliers established themselves in a 20 km radius around the city of Ghent.
Last but not least there is the historical factor. The horticulturalist Louis Van Houtte is a name to remember in this context. He introduced for the first time the cultivation of the Azalea in the Ghent region and he also is the founder of the horticultural school in Melle.
Growers, school and supply companies centralise around the city of Ghent and so the Ghent Azalea was born and Ghent acquired the reputation of ‘flower region’.

According to Adrien Saverwijns, the Floralies of Ghent have undergone a striking evolution the last thirty years with respect to the presentation of the Azaleas. Formerly the “Azalea Show” was highlighted with unique big specimens, now much attention is paid to more trendy presentations with smaller Azalea’s. This edition of the Floralies  shows how the Azalea can be used in a decorative way.
“So the Azalea is present at the Floralies in a trendy and contemporary way.
Also the outer plants get more attention but this is a change we have been seeing already for a while during the past Floralies.
A garden and consequently also garden decoration is becoming more and more important to consumers. At the time of the first Floralies a flower garden was only reserved to aristocracy while nowadays a beautiful garden is everyone’s dream.”

8 flower growers bid for the public’s favour during the Floralies for the most decorative azalea presentation.

For more informations:

Ineke Thiry
Stephanie Dekenne

Tel: 0032 9 222 47 10
Mail:info@gidee.be