A springtime attraction since the 1930's, the Lafayette Historic Azalea Trail is a winding drive through historic districts, downtown, the university and oil center, and neighborhood garden districts with grand boulevards for approximately 25 miles of the city's urban core. Mid-century, it was reported that over 40,000 visitors drove the trail each year! The Southern Indica Lavender Formosa Azalea was christened "The General Lafayette" in the 1950's as the city flower in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette.
In 2015 Scenic Lafayette began extensive revitalization of the azalea trail. Since that time over 1,000 azaleas have been planted thru our partnerships. In recognition of its continuing efforts and programs for promoting azaleas as valuable landscape shrubs, Lafayette earned the Azalea City Certification in 2016 by the Azalea Society of America. This cultural floral attraction is a display of such breathtaking floral color and beauty that it cannot be described in words. Come and enjoy this "flower power" show. Watch us Bloom!
Official Bloom Season February 23rd thru March.
With Winter Storms behind us, the azaleas are slightly frost bitten is some areas.
As of March 2, 2021 no blooms right now.
Due to the winter storms of February, 2021 the azalea bloom season is beginning later than usual. Therefore, the Azalea Trail Historical Trolley Tours are
RESCHEDULED to SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2021.
We hope to see a lot of flowers throughout March.
BLOOM WATCH IS POSTED WEEKLY
The Southern Indica Formosa was so prevalent in the South that it became native to our region. This beautiful "Lavender" Southern Indica Formosa variety was the primary color that grew our azalea trail.
The Mayor designated it our official city flower in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette; thus naming it "The General Lafayette"
The General Lafayette - Marquis de Lafayette Statue
This majestic statue dedicated to the founder of our city is located at the city hall 705 W. University Avenue.
Other points of interest at the hall are cultural murals.
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YOUR DONATION'S HELP PRESERVATION ALLIANCE OF LAFAYETTE
TO CONTINUE REVITALIZING THE AZALEA TRAIL
Donations can be made online at www.preservinglafayette.org or
Donations by check can be mailed to P. O. Box 2541, Lafayette, LA 70502
THANK YOU!
CALLING FOR AZALEA TRAIL CAPTAINS
CALLING FOR AZALEA TRAIL CAPTAINS
We need your help by encouraging others along the trail to take ownership in maintaining this beautiful cultural asset:
A Advocate for more planting and maintaining of azaleas.
Z Zealous in organizing watering, fertilizing and mulching for public plantings in your district.
A Adopt an azalea space in your area / district along the trail.
L Lead and educate neighbors and friends about the proper care of azaleas (Flyers/Social Media).
E Encourage fun clean ups in spring and fall before azalea bloom season.
A Azalea Trail promotion and awareness in the community as a captain.
THANK YOU!
