Encore azaleas are within a 2- to 5-foot height range; have mounding, spreading or upright growth habits; and are evergreen. The Encores, too, have the same cultural needs we give our old reliables.

Encore azaleas are within a 2- to 5-foot height range; have mounding, spreading or upright growth habits; and are evergreen. The Encores, too, have the same cultural needs we give our old reliables.

Q: I have four, 4-year-old very healthy 'Autumn Royalty' Encore azaleas. Until two months ago they were shielded by a large tree. We lost the tree, and now I'm worried they'll wither in the summer ...

Many of the Encore azaleas are cold hardy from zones 6a-10b and perform best in organic-rich, well-drained soil. It’s been said, the key to the green thumb is how brown it gets in soil preparation.