Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Ericaceae
Botanical Name
RHODODENDRON( ENCORE® SERIES)
Plant Common Name
Evergreen Azalea
General Description
Azaleas in the Encore Series are a collection of hybrids developed by Robert E. "Buddy" Lee of Independence, Louisiana. They have lovely flowers that bloom in spring and again in fall —a blooming encore. Some of the varieties produce blooms in the summer for a triple encore. They are all hybrids of parents from Kurume and Southern Indica azalea lines.
The plants are rounded evergreen shrubs that are variable in height and best-suited for warm, temperate climates. They have leaves that are dark green, elliptical or oval and hairy. The large flowers are tubular and funnel-shaped, single or double, and come in many bright colors. Encore azaleas produce full floral displays but rarely become blanketed in blooms the way Kurume hybrids or Southern Indica azaleas do.
Encore azaleas are shallow-rooted and prefer to be planted in organic-rich moist soils with perfect drainage. Establishment is better if heavy clay and sandy soils are amended with organic matter. Acid soils are best for good plant growth and performance. Mulch well over the root zone to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate temperature extremes. Performance and flowering are better in landscapes with partial sun to partial shade. It is best for them to be in shade when the midday and afternoon sun are at their hottest, though Encore azaleas tolerate more sun than most azaleas. Lightly prune in the spring as needed.
Use these twice-blooming plants for accent in beds and borders or in foundation plantings.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
10 - 2
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 10
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Sunset Zone
8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m
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Width
3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Cushion/Mound-forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Pink, Light Pink, Fuchsia, Rose, Lavender, Violet
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Dark Green
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Bark Color
Brown, Sienna, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
Yes
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
Yes
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Fissured
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Usage
Container, Foundation, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Hummingbirds
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Self-Sowing
No
