A referendum was conducted in the city in 1985, to choose a symbolic flower for Changsha. Azalea won the majority of votes and this was soon ratified by the city's people's congress.
Azalea is an ever-green bush, usually growing to a height of two meters. Its leaves, about 3-5 cm in length, are oval shaped. The surface of the leaves is dark-green colored and their back light-green. The flowers of azalea, which are in blossom from March to May, are in the shape of a funnel and are magenta in color. Azalea may be planted in the earth or in flowerpots, but they are best grown in the ground because the plant is prone to wet, cool and rich soil with stronger acidity.