Ads proudly proclaim: The Only Azalea That Blooms Spring, Summer & Fall!
Well, I disapprove.
Azaleas are minor miracles in northern gardens when, after many months of short days and snow-covered landscapes, they come alive with flowers in dazzling shades of rose, coral, pink and pale lavender. Who needs--or wants--that effervescence in summer? Who needs--or wants--blossoms that would seem garish and totally out of place against the background of fall leaf change?
While spending time in northeastern Oklahoma last winter, I attended the Garden Fair at the Tulsa Garden Center and listened to a horticulturist speak about soils. It was a wonderful and passionate presentation, mainly. At one point, he excitedly referred to Encore Azaleas and the audience erupted with cheers and claps.
I wanted to boo.
What are Encore Azaleas?
Encore Azaleas are evergreen azaleas that came about when, as usual, a plant breeder was fiddling around. Robert E. "Buddy" Lee developed azaleas that bloom at the normal time in spring and then set flowers buds on new growth which will open later during the same season. They are a cross involving a Taiwanese summer-blooming azalea, Rhododendron oldhamii. The plants are hardy to Zone 6.
