Although our hot, humid Alabama summers are often the subject of complaint, our year-round warm weather is ideal for growing many types of plants much of the year. Encore Azaleas can give your garden vibrant blooming color at least two seasons. As their name implies and their motto suggests, these azaleas have "more blooms, more often."

Mr. Robert E. Lee, of Independence, La.., first began envisioning these twice-blooming bushes in the early 1980s. He began by crossbreeding the common spring flowering varieties with the more rare summer blooming types of azaleas.

His result was the release of six varieties of azaleas that bloom twice a year. In addition to the original six, 14 other varieties have since been added. Together, these 20 Encore Azalea varieties give the gardener a greater selection of plant size and bloom color.

The Encore Azalea web site, www.encoreazalea.com, describes the "showy" process of the two blooming periods. "After they flower in the spring, the Encore Azaleas begin growing and new shoots appear. ... The Encore Azalea's 'first act' opens with the emergence of buds that begin blooming into full flower in mid-summer. The curtain drops on this unique bloom season with the onset of cold weather. But, the show goes on. As an 'encore,' these exceptional azaleas flower again with traditional spring azaleas and the process starts over."

As with other types of azaleas, the Encore Azaleas prefer a slightly acidic, well-drained soil. They are also fairly drought tolerant. In fact, after the first year, no regular watering is usually needed unless there is a severe drought period. They are also best suited for the winters we have here in Alabama's hardiness zones 7 and 8.

For growing these azaleas, plant them in a hole that is twice as wide as it is deep. Remember when planting in beds to add compost or other organic matter, cover with mulch and water sufficiently. Continue to water and keep the soil moist, but not saturated, until winter. Fertilize the azalea soon after planting but do not fertilize in the fall.

According to the testimonials of several growers of the Encore Azaleas, these plants are easy to care for and are almost fail-proof to grow. As one grower writes, "just feed, water, and enjoy again and again."

Autumn Rouge Rhododendron Hybrid	Autumn Royalty Rhododendron Hybrid	Autumn Starlite Rhododendron Hybrid Hedge

Source: Dr. James D. Williams, Extension Horticulturist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, (334) 844-3032.