Azalea Encore
Rhododendron 'Encore Series'
Revolutionary reblooming azaleas that flower in spring, summer, and fall, extending the traditional azalea season from weeks to months. These compact evergreen shrubs offer the classic azalea beauty with improved heat tolerance and disease resistance. Available in a wide range of colors, they're perfect for adding consistent color to foundation plantings and woodland gardens.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
rho-doh-DEN-dron
Zones
4–8
USDA hardiness
Height
6-10 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Azalea Encore in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 shrub →Zone Map
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Azalea Encore · Zones 4–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: rho-doh-DEN-dron. Soil: High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 5 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet, 3 feet-6 feet, 6-feet-12 feet, 12-24 feet. Growth rate: Slow. Propagation: Grafting, Layering, Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
A terminal cluster of dried red-brown capsules, 1/2" long, appears in fall and releases seeds.
Color: Brown/Copper, Red/Burgundy. Type: Capsule. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Spring
History & Origin
Origin: Northern Hemisphere to Tropical Asian Mountains and NE Australia
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Rabbits
- +Attracts: Hummingbirds, Pollinators, Specialized Bees
- +Wildlife value: Flowers attract humingbirds. Members of the genus Rhododendron support the following specialized bee: Andrena (Andrena) cornelli. Deer browse this plant.
Considerations
- -Toxic (Bark, Flowers, Fruits, Leaves, Roots, Sap/Juice, Seeds, Stems): Low severity
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hostas
Share similar soil and shade requirements, provide contrasting foliage texture
Ferns
Thrive in same acidic, moist, well-draining soil conditions
Camellia
Both prefer acidic soil and partial shade, bloom at different times for extended interest
Rhododendron
Similar cultural requirements and soil pH needs, create cohesive woodland garden
Heuchera
Complementary foliage colors, both prefer partial shade and well-draining soil
Astilbe
Enjoys same moist, acidic conditions and partial shade environment
Japanese Painted Fern
Provides silvery foliage contrast, thrives in same acidic woodland conditions
Pieris
Both are acid-loving ericaceous plants with similar care requirements
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth of azaleas and other sensitive plants
Eucalyptus
Allelopathic oils suppress growth of nearby plants including azaleas
Lavender
Requires alkaline, dry conditions opposite to azalea's acidic, moist needs
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Improved disease resistance over traditional azaleas
Common Pests
Lace bugs, spider mites, scale insects
Diseases
Root rot (if poorly drained), leaf spot, petal blight