Encore Azalea
For sale in Lawrenceville, GA
- Moderate (8-12 in/year)
- Full Sun to Part Shade
- Cold hardy to USDA Zone 8a
- Georgia grown & ready to plant
Secure checkoutLicensed & insured installation crew
About Encore Azalea
Encore Azalea is a patented series of repeat-blooming azaleas that flower not only in spring like traditional Southern azaleas, but again in summer and often a third time in fall, thanks to breeding that incorporated a repeat-flowering Asian azalea species. It grows into a rounded shrub 3-4 feet tall and wide, and unlike many older azalea varieties it tolerates more sun, up to 4-6 hours of direct sun actually improves flowering and reblooming, while still handling the part shade found under Georgia's pine and oak canopy. Encore Azaleas need consistently moist, acidic, well-drained soil, which makes bed preparation important in Gwinnett County's clay, since azaleas are shallow-rooted and quickly stressed by both drought and waterlogging. They are available in numerous named colors (Autumn Bonfire, Autumn Twist, and others), all sharing the same repeat-bloom trait. Because they extend the traditional azalea bloom window from a few spring weeks to three seasons of color, Encore Azalea has become one of the most requested flowering shrubs for Lawrenceville landscapes wanting more than a single spring show.
🚚 Delivery available to Lawrenceville and all of Gwinnett County — see our service area for exact timing.
Plant Specifications
| Mature Height | 3-4 ft |
|---|---|
| Mature Width | 3-4 ft |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Water Needs | Moderate — regular water, avoid drought stress |
| Bloom Season | Spring, Summer, and Fall (repeat bloomer) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate (8-12 in/year) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 8a |
| Deer Resistant | No |
| Pet Safe | Check with a vet |
| Native to Georgia | No |
Planting Instructions & Regional Tips
Prepare a bed amended with pine bark fines or compost to improve drainage and acidity in Georgia's clay, since Encore Azaleas need consistently moist but well-drained soil. Plant with the root ball slightly above grade and mulch 2-3 inches deep to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature. Water deeply twice weekly during summer heat, and avoid deep cultivation near roots, which are shallow and easily damaged.
Fast Facts
- Reblooms in spring, summer, and fall — unlike traditional azaleas
- Mature size: 3-4 ft tall and wide
- Tolerates more sun than older azalea varieties
- Requires acidic, well-drained, consistently moist soil
- Not deer resistant; toxic if ingested by pets
- Available in many named flower colors across the series
Pairs Well With
Encore Azalea FAQs
How many times a year does Encore Azalea bloom?
Encore Azalea typically blooms three times a year: a heavy flush in spring, a second bloom in summer, and a third in fall, thanks to breeding with a repeat-flowering azalea species. This gives roughly three seasons of color compared to the single spring bloom of traditional Southern azaleas.
How much sun does Encore Azalea need?
Encore Azalea performs best with 4-6 hours of direct sun per day, more sun than traditional shade-loving azaleas tolerate, which actually improves its summer and fall reblooming. It also adapts to part shade but may bloom less in deep shade under dense tree canopy.
Is Encore Azalea toxic to dogs?
Yes, all azaleas, including Encore Azalea, contain grayanotoxins that are toxic to dogs, cats, and humans if leaves or flowers are ingested, potentially causing vomiting, drooling, and cardiac symptoms. Keep pets from grazing on azalea foliage and seek veterinary care if ingestion is suspected.