Encore Azaleas

"The azaleas that know no season."

The'Encore Azalea' story originated with the dream of Robert E. Lee of Independence, La. His vision was to recreate the beauty of spring flowering azaleas in other times of the year. In the early 1980's, Mr. Lee began a methodical breeding effort to achieve his goals by hybridizing, spring flowering varieties with a rare, summer blooming azalea. This resulted in thousands of different evaluated for flowering period and richness of color, as well as quality of foliage and overall vigor. The result of this lengthy process is the release of the first six Encore Azaleas. The genetic diversity within this group yields a wide range of growth and color characteristics. These vary in size from dwarf compact forms to large background plants in shades of pink, orange and lavender.

The Repeat Performance

After they flower in the spring, the Encore Azaleas begin growing. New shoots appear, suddenly stops growing, and starts setting buds. The azalea's "first act" opens when the early buds begin blooming into full flower in mid-summer. The curtain drops on this unique bloom season with the onset of cold weather. But, the show goes on. As an "Encore", these exceptional azaleas flower again with traditional apring azaleas, and the process starts over again.

Insiders Secret

The Plant - The Encore Azalea is similar to traditional azaleas in that it requires proper planting, watering, and care to thrive in its new home. The following guidelines will help to ensure that your new plant grows to its full potential.

Ground Preparation - Dig a hole 6-8 inches deep and fill it with water. If the hole drains within a few hours, you have good drainage. If the water is still standing 12 hours later, check the drainage in your yard, you may have to take corrective actions.

Planting - Turn the soil well and dig a hole twice as wide as it is deep. Add organic material, such as compost or peat moss, to the soil. Remove the azalea from its container and loosen the root ball. Set the plant into your prepared hole, making sure the top of the root ball is above the soil level. Pull your soil around the plant, water in firmly and cover with mulch.

Spring / Summer Planting Care - Water the azalea well when you first plant it and keep the soil moist until winter. New azaleas will die quickly when the soil dries excessively. Your new azalea should not need regular watering after the first year unless there are periods of drought Fertilize with the recommended levels of azalea feed soon after planting. Do not fertilize in the fall.

Fall / Winter Planting Care - Azaleas do well when they are planted at this time. New roots produced in the fall will help the azalea flourish in the next growing season. Although less watering is necessary, do not allow the roots to become dry. Your azalea should not need watering after the first year unless there are periods of drought. Cover your young azalea with insulating covering when extreme cold weather approaches. As your Encore Azalea matures, it will need less winter care. Do not fertilize until after the last frost. Once the danger of frost has passed, use azalea feed as directed.

Pruning - If you think that your Encore Azalea needs pruning, do so immediately after spring flowering for maximum bud set.