The Azaleas are blooming, and guess what, they’ll probably bloom again or entirely through the fall since these are the Encore varieties.
In our zone, Encore Azaleas typically bloom spring, summer, and fall. They’re more compact than traditional Azaleas which means less pruning. Most Encore varieties only get about three feet tall. They can also take a bit more sun, which will encourage more flowers — in our 9b zone, we recommend about four hours of direct light; morning or late afternoon sun is best.
They’re grown in rich, slightly acidic soil, so remember to amend our sandy soil with rich compost before planting. Mix in some Azalea-tone® for an extra boost of nutrients.
And it’s the hottest time of year, so consistent watering in order to establish the plant is vital, especially for minimizing transplant shock. Signs of this include leaf and flower loss, wilting, discoloration, and stunted growth.