Guide To Visiting WRAL Azalea Gardens (Hidden Gem in Raleigh)

When you see the first dew drops of spring dusting the grass, you know it’s time to head to the aromatic WRAL Azalea Gardens to see some of Raleigh’s most beautiful pink spring flowers. 

You might be wondering, what azalea gardens? Yeah, it took us years to hear about it as well – they’re a hidden Raleigh secret for sure (well maybe not now!)

Set behind the WRAL-TV 5 television studios, this tranquil garden is the place to go to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown and surround yourself with the soothing fragrances of over 20 types of azaleas and several different plant varieties.

If you’re thinking of visiting the Azalea Gardens in Raleigh but not sure what there is to see and do there, what it’s all about, or how to plan your visit, here is everything you need to know about WRAL Azalea Gardens…

About WRAL Azalea Gardens

The WRAL Azalea Gardens are located behind the WRAL television studios on Western Boulevard between the Main and Centennial campuses of North Carolina State University. It’s also right near Pullen Park and Dorothea Dix Park.

It was established in 1959 by the founder of Capitol Broadcasting Company, A.J. Fletcher, as a community garden to serve the people of Raleigh, just three years after WRAL-TV had their first broadcast at the VHF station in Raleigh. 

He was a huge fan of azaleas and loved to find new varieties, and he wanted to share that love with the public, planting thousands of azaleas in the garden, which spans over 1.5 acres.

In the year 2000, the gardens underwent a major renovation, and a fountain and walkway were built in front of the station, plus more planters and flower beds were added.

Now it’s not just a space for azaleas to bloom, but several species of plant life, including succulents, ferns, vines, and trees making it a Raleigh garden to visit year round for a dose of tranquility and nature love.

There are dirt paths winding around the garden with serenity chairs placed about for you to sit and ponder as well as water fountains and bird houses helping to draw in the birds! There are also interesting sculptures scattered amongst the blooms.

The WRAL Azalea Gardens can also be booked for private events such as weddings and bridal photoshoots.

Read more: Raleigh Spring Guide: Top Events and 40+ Things to do (2024)

Flowers and Plant Varieties at WRAL Azalea Gardens

Azaleas

• Admiral Semmes
• Autumn Belle
• Autumn Carnation
• Autumn Carnival
• Autumn Chiffon
• Autumn Debutante
• Autumn Embers
• Autumn Fire
• Autumn Moonlight
• Autumn Rouge
• Autumn Royalty
• Autumn Sangria
• Autumn Sunburst
• Autumn Twist
• Cannon’s Double 
• Florida Flame 
• Formosa
• George Tabor
• Hotspur Yellow 
• Issho No Haru
• Johanna
• MRS. G.G. GERBING
• Pink Pericat
• Pink Ruffles
• Poukhanense
• President Clay
• Pride of Mobile
• Sherwood Red
• Snow
• Stonewall Jackson
• Treasure

Camellias

• April Blush
• Japonica Margaret Davis
• Kramer’s Supreme
• Kumasaka
• Taylor’s Pink Perfection

Hydrangeas

• Bluebird Lace Cap
• Endless Summer
• Glowing Embers
• Limelight
• Penny MAC

Perennials

• Autumn Brilliance Fern
• Bear’s Foot Hellebore
• Blue Rabbit’s Foot Fern
• Bog Sage
• Crow-Dipper Vine
• Cyclamen
• Deer Fern
• Elephant Ear Imperial Gigante
• Elephant Ear White Lava
• Giant Leopard Plant
• Hardy Cestrum 
• Hellebore
• Hello Yellow Blackberry
• Holly Fern
• Hosta Lakeside Banana Bay
• Hosta Patriot
• Iris Caesar’s Brother
• Philodendron Hope
• Primrose
• Spanish Snapdragon
• Striped Hidden Cone Ginger
• Variegated Cast Iron Plant
• Variegated Solomon’s Seal
• Yellow Variegated Leopard Plant

Shrubs

• Buttonbush
• Celeste Fig
• Forsythia Lynwood
• Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick
• Hibiscus Kim (Lil Kim Lil)
• Hibiscus Starry Starry Night
• Hibiscus Swamp Angel
• Hibiscus Texas Star
• Lilac Daphne
• Paper Bush
• Pieris Japonica
• Red Buckeye
• Snowball Viburnum
• Variegated Winter Daphne
• Virginia Sweetspire (Little Henry)

Succulents and Palms

• Angelina Sedum
• Ogon Sedum
• Needle Palm
• Taylor Windmill Palm
• Whale’s Tongue Century Plant

Trees

• Butterfly Japanese Maple
• California Coast Redwood
• Ginkgo Biloba (The President)
• Golden Larch
• Jane Magnolia
• Kousa Dogwood
• Long Leaf Pine
• Pink Flowering Dogwood
• Red Select Japanese Maple
• Sugar Maple (Acer)

Vines

• Firecracker
• Variegated Confederate Jasmine
• Variegated Tree Ivy

Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

WRAL Azalea Gardens is free admission and open daily from dawn until dusk (7:00am – 7:00pm). You can park for free directly across from the entrance on: 2619 Western Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27606.

FAQs About WRAL Azalea Gardens

Are the WRAL Azalea Gardens wheel-chair friendly?

There is a paved walkway around the gardens and most of the paths are wheelchair friendly.

Can I bring my dog to WRAL Azalea Gardens?

No, pets are not allowed at WRAL Azalea Gardens due to insurance liability reasons.

When is the best time to visit WRAL Azalea Gardens?

The best time to visit WRAL Azalea Gardens is from late March until June, as this is when azaleas are in bloom. The gardens are beautiful throughout the spring and summer seasons, and even in the Autumn when the maple trees see their leaves change color.

Are there restrooms at WRAL Azalea Gardens?

No, the restrooms at WRAL Azalea Gardens were closed in March, 2020 and haven’t reopened.

If you love gardens, you’ll also love the Juniper Level Gardens and JC Arboretum in Raleigh and the Sarah P Duke Gardens in Durham.