Encore Azalea
Encore azaleas are an evergreen hybrid series selected for repeat bloom in spring, then again in late summer to fall. They perform best in warm parts of North America with acidic, well‑drained soils and consistent moisture. Plants tolerate more sun than many evergreen azaleas when irrigation is reliable. Most selections stay compact, which suits small gardens and containers. Cold hardiness varies by cultivar, and protection is prudent in the colder edge of their range. Choose cultivars proven for your zone and site them where winter winds are minimized. Prune only after the spring display so summer and fall buds remain intact.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: evergreen azalea hybrid series; reblooming
- Height × spread: 2-6 ft × 2-6 ft (0.6-1.8 m × 0.6-1.8 m); varies by cultivar
- Bloom window: spring with repeats in late summer to fall
- Color & flower form: white, pink, red, purple; single to semi‑double
- Fragrance: 0 to 1; varies by cultivar
- USDA hardiness: USDA zones 6 to 10; cultivar dependent
- Breeder / Year / Origin: Robert E. “Buddy” Lee, 1998, USA
- Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- Reblooming habit extends color well beyond spring.
- Tolerates more sun than many evergreen azaleas with adequate moisture.
- Compact sizes include dwarf and intermediate forms.
- Cold hardiness varies more than typical evergreen azaleas.
Strengths
- Multi‑season flowers on evergreen framework.
- Wide color palette and sizes across the series.
- Good performance in morning sun to light afternoon shade.
- Works in containers and tight foundation spaces.
Care in one minute
- Site in morning sun with afternoon shade; more sun is possible where summers are mild and irrigation is steady.
- Soil: organic, well drained, acidic pH 4.5-6.0; plant slightly high and mulch 2-3 in (5-8 cm).
- Water regularly the first two seasons; keep evenly moist but never waterlogged.
- Feed lightly with an acid‑forming fertilizer right after spring bloom.
- Prune only after the spring flush; avoid late summer shearing.
- In Zone 6, choose hardy selections and protect from winter wind.
Watch‑outs
- Borderline winter hardiness in exposed Zone 6 sites.
- Azalea lace bug and root rot where drainage is poor.
- Chlorosis on high‑pH soils; confirm soil acidity.
Best uses (tags)
containers, borders, foundation, hedges, sun‑tolerant, extended season
Provenance note
Breeder Robert E. “Buddy” Lee crossed evergreen azaleas with Rhododendron oldhamii ‘Fourth of July’ to capture reliable fall bloom; the selection later patented as ‘Autumn Amethyst’ was chosen in 1986 and patented in 1998.
References
- Arkansas Cooperative Extension – Encore Azalea profile
- Arkansas Cooperative Extension – Fall-blooming azaleas
- UF/IFAS Extension Encore azaleas overview
- ASPCA – Azalea (Rhododendron spp.) toxicity
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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