People who adore spring-blooming azaleas can now enjoy an explosion of colors season after season with the Encore Azalea. Each of the many Encore varieties begins their performance with the spring flowering season. Once this “first act” of blooming concludes, new shoots begin to grow and set new buds. The Encore Azalea’s “second act” opens when these buds begin blooming into full color during the summer. This unique bloom season continues through the fall, with the curtain dropping with the onset of colder weather. This is followed by the show beginning anew in the spring.
Info and Care of Encore Azaleas
Size
Encore Azaleas grow on average to 2.5 to 3 feet tall, with some varieties getting even larger. Regardless, all varieties can be trimmed to maintain a smaller size after their initial spring bloom.
Light
Encores can grow in full sun or filtered shade. They prefer morning sun and too much shade will result in reduced blooms and poor performance.
Soil
Does best in slightly acidic, well-drained soil with some organic matter added in.
Water
Encore azaleas like to have slightly moist soil when first planted. Keep your Encores watered in the summer to keep the soil moist but not sopping wet. Once established (after the first year), Encores should not need regular watering unless there are periods of excessive drought.
Fertilizer
Use Espoma Holly Tone or any azalea fertilizer in spring. Do not fertilize again until after August.
Varieties
See below for just some of the many varieties of Encore Azaleas carried by Meadows Farms Nurseries. Be advised that not all locations carry every variety, so please call your local Meadows Farms location for availability.