Brilliance of azalea blooms below par, some patrons say

Article Photos

Photos description

Azaleas are among the most common plants found at Augusta National, with more than 30 varieties on display.
Article Photos

Photos description

Azaleas show patches of blooms along with patches of green on the No. 10 green at Augusta National. Below-average temperatures in March have delayed some blooms.
Article Photos

Photos description

Crewmembers stationed next to a bank of azaleas man a laser range finder on No. 10 during the second practice round at Augusta National Golf Club.

Augusta National Golf Club’s famed pink and purple azaleas appear to be lacking their normal vibrancy, some Masters Tournament patrons said Tuesday about the flowering plants.

Many of the bushes had partially bloomed, some had unopened buds and other blooms had been knocked to the ground or drooping after rainfall Monday night.

“They don’t seem as bright as they have been,” said Pat Serley, of Pensacola, Fla.

Serley and her husband, Mark, rested near an azalea-covered hill above the sixth hole. The bushes had many green leaves mixed with patchy spots of colorful blooms.

Suzanne Holmes, a horticulture program assistant for the Richmond County’s extension office, said several varieties of azaleas throughout Augusta are not in full bloom because of colder temperatures in March.

Holmes has not visited Augusta National but said azaleas are flowering across the Garden City.

“Some are in full bloom and some are just starting,” Holmes said.

The below-average temperatures last month, however, means other flowers are blooming simultaneously, she said. White and pink dogwood trees still have flowers, and yellow lady banksia and purple wisteria blooms have not faded.

“Normally, it’s spread out. They aren’t all blooming at the same time. This time, it’s hitting all together,” Holmes said.

Although the azalea blooms are less spectacular than her last visit in 2012, Seerley said, the course has an unmatched beauty.

“It’s still nice to come and see the course,” she said.

Many patrons were in awe of the azaleas, stopping to take photos in front of blooming bushes Tuesday.

SLIDESHOW: Augusta in Bloom