Maurice Shamburger plants the first azaleas along Lindsey Lane
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Tyler’s azalea tradition began in 1929, when Maurice Shamburger planted the first azaleas along Lindsey Lane.
In that 1929 experiment the rose grower planted Tyler’s first white- and pink-flowered azaleas in a test garden; when they proved hardy he planted many more in what is now the Azalea District.
Marked tour routes were in place by 1960, and the Azalea & Spring Flower Trail now runs each spring; the 67th opened on March 20, 2026.
Sources
- Visit Tyler: Azalea & Spring Flower Trailvisittyler.com
- Tyler Morning Telegraph, 2025-03-27: Tyler’s 66th Annual Azalea Trail: Events, Trail Map and More Key Informationtylerpaper.com
- Tyler Morning Telegraph, 2026-03-20: Tyler's 67th Azalea and Spring Flower Trail Opens with Ribbon Cutting and Celebration of New Ownership for Pyron Gardentylerpaper.com
- Tyler Today magazine: Azalea and Spring Flower Trailtylertodaymagazine.com
- National Register Multiple Property Documentation Form: Historic and Architectural Resources of Tyler, Texas (Diane E. Williams, 2000; THC Atlas)atlas.thc.texas.gov
In a 1929 experiment Shamburger planted Tyler's first white flowered and pink flowered bushes in a test garden.
When they proved hardy and well suited to the acid soils of the area, he planted many more in what is now the Azalea District of south Tyler.
Checked October 15, 2026. How the cards are filed