In case you have a great spot in the backyard for azaleas but it’s too glowing, or you only want to bring some late summer and autumn color, contemplate Encore azaleas (Rhododendron ENCORE® SERIES). Encore azaleas are a group of 25 evergreen varieties developed by Robert”Buddy” Lee in Louisiana in the 1980s. Encores are hybrids of Kurume and Southern Indica parents and all cultivar names begin with the word”Fall” They’re the most rebloom and sun tolerant azaleas in autumn and the summer. The Encore cultivars are cold hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones seven through 9 with some forms hardy to zone 6.
Sizes and Colors
For layout purposes, the Encores can be divided into three groups according to dimension: medium, small and large. The seven little varieties’ size is approximately 3 feet wide and 3 feet high. These azaleas are acceptable for walk edgings, foundation plantings, beds and containers. The group includes”Autumn Angel” (white flowers),”Autumn Bravo” (red flowers),”Autumn Chiffon” (pink flowers) and”Autumn Coral” (coral flowers). Medium-sized Encores’ 12 forms have been in the dimensions range. They are sometimes used for smaller plants as hedges and reduced backdrops. Several varieties are”Autumn Starlite” (white flowers),”Autumn Sunset” (red flowers),”Autumn Sweetheart” (pink flowers) and”Autumn Lilac” (purple flowers). The large Encores are acceptable for background shrubs and accent plants, hedges in beds. There are six kinds in this group including”Autumn Moonlight” (white flowers),”Autumn Belle” (light pink flowers) and”Autumn Twist” (white and purple flowers).
Culture and Care
Azaleas prefer soil which contains organic matter that is ample. They need regular watering to prevent drought and heat stress that is related. Encore azaleas can withstand whole sun to part shade. Ideally they ought to get four to six hours of direct sun with some afternoon shade, especially in hotter areas. They will not rebloom in summer and fall if planted in locations that are rather shady. Clean azalea beds in spring up, apply a specific azalea fertilizer spread mulch. In spring, lightly prune the Encore azaleas immediately.
Companions
Select planting companions that flourish in soil conditions and lighting when designing beds using Encore azaleas. Shrub choices are hydrangea rhododendron, camellia, mountain laurel, Oregon grape holly and viburnum. Suitable plants are ferns, hosta, hellebores and astilbe.
Pests and Diseases
If planted in the states, Encore azaleas are pest and disease resistant. Rhododendron root rot, Phytophthora cactorum, may be a problem in areas. Watch for other problems like root weevils, azalea lace bugs, mildew and leaf burn. Encore azaleas are not deer resistant.