User Manual
Encore Azaleas will thrive in the West Coast
areas of the U.S., where they widely tolerate
both the heat and sun.
Heat Care In areas of excessive sun stress,
such as Southern California or valley areas,
shade may be required. At least some afternoon
shade is recommended to protect plants from
the hot, drying, afternoon sun.
In areas with hot, dry, summer winds, try to
plant your Encore Azalea
®
where it will be
sheltered from these winds. During the drier,
summer months, be sure to provide adequate
water, especially while your new Encore Azaleas
are becoming established.
Exposure While full sun is acceptable in
the Pacic Northwest, do your best to provide
your Encore Azalea with at least 6-8 hours of
sunlight per day. Providing your azaleas with
the sunlight they need will help ensure the best
conditions for optimal blooms.
If your Encore Azalea isn’t blooming in multiple
seasons, it might be a result of the plants being
planted in too much shade. If this is the case, try
moving the plants to a sunnier location. Because
Encore Azaleas planted in the Northwest area
of the U.S. may receive even less sunlight than
those growing in other climates, you will want
to choose sunnier areas that are protected from
harsh, northerly, winter winds.
Planting Dig a hole twice as wide as it is
deep. Remove your Encore Azalea from its
container and carefully but rmly loosen the
root ball. Set the plant into the hole you have
prepared, making sure the top of the root ball
is above the soil level. Pull your soil around the
plant, water thoroughly and cover with mulch.
Spring & Summer Planting Care
Water your Encore Azalea well when you rst
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 rst year unless
there are periods of excessive drought.
Fertilize with the recommended levels of azalea
feed soon after planting. Do not fertilize after
August.
Pruning Encore Azalea require very little
pruning to retain good form and do not need
“dead-heading.” If you think your Encore
Azalea needs pruning, do so immediately after
the spring owering for maximum bud set.
Light pruning of more established plants will
stimulate growth and owering.
Special Tips
for the
West Coast