Encore Azaleas are pretty amazing. With so many different colors (from reds to purples to pinks, whites, and even bicolor blooms) to choose from you are sure to find just what you are looking for in a flowering shrub. Encore Azaleas are similar to the famous Knock Out® Roses with their bloom abundance and lengthy bloom period. Brighten your landscape with colorful flowers in spring, summer, AND fall! From dwarf varieties that generally grow 2 to 3 feet tall and intermediate shrubs that grow to about 5 feet, Encore Azaleas are all fairly petite and fit into any landscape.
Encore Azaleas are all evergreen so no bare branches in winter! A big difference from traditional azaleas is that Encores can grow in full sun so you definitely have more options to show off these fantastic bloomers. They still work well as foundation bushes not minding some shade. Many Encore Azaleas are cold hardy to zone 6. This is pretty exciting for many azalea lovers left out in the cold by azaleas that prefer warm southern climates. For zones even colder than 6 Encore Azaleas are awesome in containers! Encore azaleas are low maintenance and surprisingly easy to grow. Once they are planted properly and established they don’t ask for much! Buy Encore Azaleas Online.
Pro Tip: When growing Encore Azaleas in containers in the coldest recommended growing zone or less you must provide winter protection by moving them inside or at least offer some protection from temperature extremes. Plants in pots are not as winter hardy as the same shrub planted in the ground by at least 1 zone.
The Autumn Lily Encore Azalea is a popular flowering shrub known for its ability to bloom multiple times per year As an avid gardener and Azalea enthusiast, I wanted to provide a detailed review of this unique plant based on my experience growing it in my own landscape. In this article, we’ll take a close look at the Autumn Lily Azalea’s features, growing requirements, and most importantly – what real customers have to say about its performance and blooms.
An Overview of Autumn Lily Azalea
Encore Azaleas are hybrid shrubs developed specifically for their ability to rebloom. While traditional Azaleas only bloom once in spring, Encore varieties can flower in spring, summer, and fall. The Autumn Lily is one of the most popular Encore Azalea varieties. Here are some key features that make it stand out:
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Produces elegant white blooms with purple striping and speckles. The flowers are about 3 inches wide when fully open.
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Blooms reliably in three seasons – spring, summer, and fall.
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Has a compact, mounding form that reaches 4-5 feet tall and wide at maturity.
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Retains its foliage year-round. The leaves emerge with a reddish tint in spring then mature to a deep green.
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Tolerates full sun better than other Azaleas. Needs at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
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Hardy in USDA zones 6-10.
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Deer and rabbit resistant.
Growing Conditions for Autumn Lily Azalea
Autumn Lily Azalea thrives when given the following care:
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Soil – Prefers acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Will benefit from an application of sulfur or soil acidifier prior to planting.
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Water – Requires regular irrigation, especially during dry periods. The soil should be kept moist but not saturated.
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Fertilizer – Apply an Azalea fertilizer or balanced flowering shrub fertilizer in early spring and midsummer.
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Pruning – Can be pruned after blooming to shape the plant and encourage new growth. Avoid heavy pruning.
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Hardiness – Protect from harsh winter winds and extremes. May need winter mulching in colder zones.
When provided with suitable growing conditions, the Autumn Lily Azalea will reward you with abundant blooms and vibrant foliage. Proper siting and care is key to success.
Real Customer Reviews of Autumn Lily Encore Azalea
I always find customer reviews helpful when evaluating a new plant variety. Here are some excerpts from real-world gardeners who have purchased and grown the Autumn Lily Encore Azalea:
“Mine bloomed beautifully the first year and I am waiting for it to bloom again this spring. I planted it on the east side of my house where it gets morning sun.”
“I have four Autumn Lily azaleas along my front porch. They bloom spring, summer and fall without fail! I get compliments on them all the time.”
“I planted a row of these along my backyard fence last year. They are looking awesome already this spring and have tons of blooms on them. The nice thing is they bloom all summer long too!”
“Bought 3 last year and planted them in front of my house. They are blooming like crazy right now! White flowers with purple stripes. They seem to be very hardy and easy to care for.”
The consensus from customers seems to be that Autumn Lily Azaleas are prolific bloomers that provide multiple seasons of color with minimal care required. The reblooming tendencies live up to the hype.
While a few customers reported minor winter dieback in colder climates, most said the shrubs rebounded vigorously in spring. Using proper siting and winter protection techniques will help avoid any cold damage.
Where to Buy Autumn Lily Encore Azalea
Autumn Lily Azalea is sold at most garden centers and nurseries, usually in 1, 3, or 5 gallon pot sizes. Early spring through early fall is the best time to find it in stock.
Many online plant retailers also carry the Autumn Lily Azalea and ship bare root plants in spring or potted plants year-round. I’ve purchased mine from both local nurseries and online stores with great success.
If buying mail-order, be sure to plant the Azalea promptly upon delivery and water well while it establishes. The plants may experience some transplant shock but typically bounce back quickly with proper care.
For the best selection and pricing, check for availability both locally and with online retailers. Buying in early spring will give the shrubs the whole growing season to settle in before experiencing winter.
The Bottom Line: A Unique, Reliable Bloomer
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Encore Azaleas are pretty amazing. With so many different colors (from reds to purples to pinks, whites, and even bicolor blooms) to choose from you are sure to find just what you are looking for in a flowering shrub. Encore Azaleas are similar to the famous Knock Out® Roses with their bloom abundance and lengthy bloom period. Brighten your landscape with colorful flowers in spring, summer, AND fall! From dwarf varieties that generally grow 2 to 3 feet tall and intermediate shrubs that grow to about 5 feet, Encore Azaleas are all fairly petite and fit into any landscape.
Encore Azaleas are all evergreen so no bare branches in winter! A big difference from traditional azaleas is that Encores can grow in full sun so you definitely have more options to show off these fantastic bloomers. They still work well as foundation bushes not minding some shade. Many Encore Azaleas are cold hardy to zone 6. This is pretty exciting for many azalea lovers left out in the cold by azaleas that prefer warm southern climates. For zones even colder than 6 Encore Azaleas are awesome in containers! Encore azaleas are low maintenance and surprisingly easy to grow. Once they are planted properly and established they don’t ask for much! Buy Encore Azaleas Online.
Pro Tip: When growing Encore Azaleas in containers in the coldest recommended growing zone or less you must provide winter protection by moving them inside or at least offer some protection from temperature extremes. Plants in pots are not as winter hardy as the same shrub planted in the ground by at least 1 zone.
Check out our huge selection of Encore Azaleas at our Online Nursery.
Autumn Lily Encore Azalea
FAQ
Do autumn lily Azaleas like sun or shade?
Planting & Growing
It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more. This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth, but will die in standing water.
Where is the best place to plant Encore Azaleas?
Encore Azaleas perform best in sun to high filtered shade. Four to six hours of sun or filtered shade per day will help guarantee optimal blooms.
How big do autumn Belle Encore Azaleas get?
The Encore Azalea Autumn Belle flowers with soft pink blooms with ruffled edges and coral undertones that appear in spring, summer, and fall. Reaches a height of 4-5 feet and a spread of 3-4 feet, forming a dense, rounded shrub.