George and Mary Beasley, and their son Jeffrey, of Livonia GA selected native azalea seedlings and interspecies hybrids to create plants hardy-10 to -15F. There are 53 Beasley hybrids in the Azalea Database. Among the more frequently seen of this group are Nacoochee and My Mary (hybrid of R. austrinum and a Choptank azalea).

Maid in the Shade® azaleas. Most deciduous azaleas do well in full sun and frequently are poor bloomers in the shade. "Maid in the Shade®" deciduous azaleas is a collection of deciduous azaleas compiled by Transplant Nursery selected to do well in shadier locations. They include:

• Summer Lyric - Flowers are a mix of pink with yellow throats.
• Lisa's Gold - R. austrinum cultivar. Golden-yellow flowers in early spring. Zone 6. Fragrant. Upright.
• Camilla's Blush -R. canescens cultivar. Blushing pink blooms that hummingbirds find irresistible. Zone 6. Fragrant. Upright.
• Kelsey's Flame - Bright yellow and orange flowers. Zone 6. Fragrant. Upright.
• Lavender Girl - R. periclymenoides cultivar. Pale lavender flowers
• My Mary - Hybrid. Pale yellow flowers, named as a tribute from George Beasley to his wife Mary. Zone 6. Fragrant. Upright.
• Rosy Cheeks - Dark rose flowers with golden throats. Its fragrance can rival that of a rose.
• Nacoochee Princess - Regal white flowers that are tinged with pink. [Return to Hybrid Deciduous Azalea Index]