Spring’s Grand Entrance: The Azaleas of São Miguel
Spring’s Grand Entrance: The Azaleas of São Miguel
Anthony "Tiger" Liu March 29, 2026
There is a specific magic to arriving back in São Miguel in March. As the island shakes off the winter mist, the landscape is suddenly painted with the brilliant hues of the Azalea .
These hardy, popular shrubs belong to the Rhododendron genus and are the undisputed stars of the Azorean spring. Whether you are wandering through our local gardens or driving along the winding coastal roads, you’ll be greeted by bursts of pink, snowy white, deep red, and royal purple.
These hardy, popular shrubs belong to the Rhododendron genus and are the undisputed stars of the Azorean spring. Whether you are wandering through our local gardens or driving along the winding coastal roads, you’ll be greeted by bursts of pink, snowy white, deep red, and royal purple.
What Makes Them Special?
• A Long-Lasting Welcome: Unlike some fleeting spring blossoms, Azalea flowers are resilient, often holding their vibrant color for several weeks.
• From Japan to the Atlantic: Though they originally hail from Japan, they have found a second home in the temperate climate of the Northern Hemisphere.
• Forest Dwellers: These shade-tolerant beauties prefer the dappled light found under the canopy of trees, making them a staple of the island’s lush, wooded estates.
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Anthony “Tiger” Liu is an American expat and the operator of Golden Mermaid Villa and Longevity Habit retreat, where he shares a passion for the vibrant culture and nourishing lifestyle of São Miguel.
• A Long-Lasting Welcome: Unlike some fleeting spring blossoms, Azalea flowers are resilient, often holding their vibrant color for several weeks.
• From Japan to the Atlantic: Though they originally hail from Japan, they have found a second home in the temperate climate of the Northern Hemisphere.
• Forest Dwellers: These shade-tolerant beauties prefer the dappled light found under the canopy of trees, making them a staple of the island’s lush, wooded estates.
—
Anthony “Tiger” Liu is an American expat and the operator of Golden Mermaid Villa and Longevity Habit retreat, where he shares a passion for the vibrant culture and nourishing lifestyle of São Miguel.