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  • Encore® Autumn Twist® Azalea

    Rhododendron ’Conlep’

    (9)
    Regular price $5639
  • Autumn Royalty® Encore® Azalea

    Rhododendron ’Autumn Royalty’

    Regular price $5271
  • Encore Azalea Autumn Embers®

    Rhododendron ’Conleb’

    (1)
    Regular price $5833
  • Encore® Autumn Lily® Azalea

    Rhododendron 'Roblex'

    (2)
    Regular price $4833

Encore Azaleas®

Encore Azaleas changed the game for azalea lovers. While traditional azaleas put on a single spring show and call it quits, Encore varieties bloom in spring, take a brief rest, then rebloom through summer and into fall. That's up to nine months of flowers in warmer climates.

Developed by Louisiana plantsman Robert "Buddy" Lee through decades of traditional breeding, the Encore series now includes over 30 varieties ranging from compact 2-foot shrubs to 5-foot specimens. Colors span pure white through every shade of pink, coral, red, and purple, with single and double flower forms available.

These evergreen shrubs thrive in zones 6-10, handling more sun than traditional azaleas while maintaining the lush foliage you expect. Plant them in acidic, well-drained soil with morning sun and afternoon shade for best performance. Once established, they require minimal care beyond occasional pruning after spring bloom.

FAQ's for Buying Encore Azaleas® Online

What makes Encore Azaleas different from regular azaleas?

Encore Azaleas rebloom, flowering in spring, summer, and fall instead of just once in spring. They were developed through traditional crossbreeding to combine the spring-blooming genetics of traditional azaleas with the repeat-blooming ability of Taiwan native azaleas.

How much sun do Encore Azaleas need?

Encore Azaleas tolerate more sun than traditional azaleas and actually need 4-6 hours of direct sunlight to rebloom well. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal, especially in hotter climates. Too much shade reduces repeat flowering.

When do Encore Azaleas bloom?

The heaviest bloom occurs in spring, followed by moderate summer flowering and another strong flush in fall. In zones 8-10, you may see scattered blooms nearly year-round. Cooler zones typically see distinct spring and fall bloom periods.

Are Encore Azaleas cold hardy?

Most Encore varieties are hardy in zones 6-10, though some handle zone 7 better than others. They're evergreen in most of their range but may show some leaf drop in zone 6 winters. Mulch the root zone in colder areas for added protection.

How big do Encore Azaleas get?

Sizes vary by variety, ranging from compact 2-3 foot dwarf types to larger 4-5 foot shrubs. Check the mature size of your specific variety before planting to ensure proper spacing. Most reach full size in 5-7 years.