Maybe because they receive very little sun? That’s partly why I thought your picture of a blooming rhododendron was an azalea. My azaleas all bloomed and the rhododendron was just starting to form buds.That's really late compared to the two I found. I have one at my house and the other at the office. Both bloomed at the end of March.
In Russia, this flower is called a василёк. There is even such a name for one of the shades of blue - васильковый цвет.Bachelor Buttons are in full force at my elevation now. I'll see if I can get a pic over the week end
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