Encore Azalea
From PlantWiki
| Encore Azaleas |
|---|
 Encore Azalea in bloom |
| Species |
| Rhododendron x |
Contents |
History
In the early 1980’s avid Azalea grower, Robert Lee became consumed with cross breeding of [Azalea|Azaleas]. Over a 15-year time span of hybridizing for the love of it, he came up with a shrub that bloomed over and over again from spring through fall. The first of his Autumn Encore Azalea collection was introduced to the market in 1997.
That was just the beginning For Mr. Lee and the staff at Plant Development, Inc. As of spring 2009, there are a total of 23 selections in the fabulous Encore Azalea group. In the future there will undoubtedly be a larger offering of these amazing evergreen shrubs. The breeders are still working on developing new additions. More colors in a range of sizes to dazzle homeowners across the warmer regions of America.
Characteristics
The Encore Azalea is actually a cross between a traditional spring blooming Azalea and a summer blooming Rhododendron (R. oldhamii) from Taiwan. The result is an easy to grow shrub that repeatedly sets out a fresh display of blooms spring, summer and fall. The shrubs are swiftly gaining fame and popularity in zones 7-9 and the lower end of zone 6.
Unlike traditional Azaleas, Encores require at least 6 hours of full sun each day. Without enough sunshine they will not flower or thrive. The first season they should be kept consistently moist. Once established, these fine landscape shrubs only require water during very dry periods.
Azaleas do best in acidic soil with good drainage. In areas with clay soil, they should be planted in raised beds for best results in growing them. They are happiest in loose soil that is high in organic matter with a pH level of 4.5-6.5. For soil that has too high of a pH level, the addition of acid fertilizer will allow you to grow healthy Encore Azaleas.
Uses
Encore Azaleas come in a wide range of sizes from 30 inches high and wide to over 5 feet tall. You will find them available in solid colored flowers and bi-colored in the full range of tones that azaleas traditionally offer. Because they give three seasons of bloom color, they are excellent planted anywhere they can be fully enjoyed. They are not constantly in flower, but do flower fully several times each year with a period of rest between.
Azaleas are very low maintenance plants that require no pruning beyond keeping them in a soft, even shape. While it has become a tradition to harshly shear evergreen shrubs, this will not give you quite as nice a finished shrub with an Encore. When selecting these beautiful evergreens to plant in your yard, choose one that will mature to the desired size. Your yard will be far more carefree with good planning and plant selection.
Home Use
Encore Azaleas will make a welcome addition to any yard or garden. They make a great specimen plant, shrub grouping or low growing hedge. Whether you line the sidewalk or play up a focal point in your landscape, the Encore will heighten your home’s curb appeal with all year interest. Unless there is an extremely early cold snap, Encore Azaleas should be putting on a wonderful show as in the season late as Thanksgiving.
Azaleas are most beautiful planted in masses. For a really fabulous color show, plant 2 or more colors that compliment each other when doing large plantings of Autumn Encore Azaleas. When choosing Azaleas for a large planting, be sure to select differing heights for added interest. Plan you planting out ahead of time with the shortest types at the forefront and graduating height stepping up toward the center or back of the grouping.
Azaleas also make great container plants to accent the patio, deck and garage entryway. Since most small-leafed Azaleas make great bonsai specimens, there are some Encore Azaleas that will work well in such a project. An art that would have the excitement of heightened beauty with repeated sessions of bloom.
Varieties
Autumn Angel Encore Azalea
Autumn Debutante Encore Azalea
Autumn Royalty Encore Azalea
Autumn Embers Encore Azalea