red pink encore azaleas in front yard landscape setting

Planting Encore Azaleas in the Landscape

Written by: PBM Team

August 11, 2017

Time to read 1 min

Spacing Encore Azaleas:

Encore® Azaleas should be planted the same width apart as the mature dimensions specify. This measurement should be taken from the center of one plant to the center of the other. For example, Autumn Angel™ matures to 3 feet wide. In order to have mature Autumn Angel Encore Azaleas bunched next to each other, you should plant them 3 feet apart, starting at the center of one plant and measuring to the center of the other. If you would like space between your azaleas, you should separate them by more than the mature width dimensions.

Spring & Summer Planting Care Tips for Encore Azaleas:

Water your Encore Azalea well when you first plant it, and keep the soil moist until winter. New azaleas will die quickly if the soil dries excessively. Your new Encore Azalea should not need regular watering after the first year unless there are periods of excessive drought. Fertilize with the recommended levels of slow-release granular fertilizer recommended for azaleas soon after planting. Do not fertilize after August.

Fall & Winter Planting Care Tips for Encore Azaleas:

Planting azaleas in the spring takes advantage of the season's moderate temperatures and increased daylight hours. This period provides the perfect environment for root establishment, ensuring the plants are strong enough to withstand the heat of summer. Summer planting, although hotter, can still be successful, especially if the azaleas are well-watered and mulched to retain soil moisture.

Caring for Your Azaleas

Proper watering is crucial, especially in the summer. Azaleas prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soil and benefit from a layer of mulch to keep the roots cool and moist. Pruning should be done immediately after blooming to encourage bushier growth and more flowers in the following season. Regular checking for pests and diseases will keep your azaleas healthy and vibrant.

Use a fertilizer formulated for azaleas and apply it in the spring to support healthy growth and blooming.

General Tidbits:

If your Encore Azalea has been thriving for a year or more but is not producing blooms, we recommend a soil test to pinpoint any problems. Your local landscape professional or county extension agent can help you decipher your soil test and provide you with additional care instructions. Brown foliage can be an indicator of over-fertilizing and under-watering.