Encore Azalea Landscaping Ideas

Encore azaleas are shrubs that flower three times a year.Bouton de rose, Il n"est pas encore ouvert image by FANGFA PENG from Fotolia.com

Azaleas are flowering shrubs that usually bloom once a year in the spring. The encore azalea, however, has been developed to bloom three times a year, and blooms in the spring, summer and fall seasons. Because of this more frequent blooming pattern, the encore azalea is a great shrub to use in landscaping and other outdoor gardening areas. Encore azaleas also require minimal pruning and can be planted in many areas where azalea species will not grow well because of their preference for full sun over filtered shade.

As a Border

Planting a border area of encore azaleas is a great way to divide and parse a space. You can plant rows or groups of encore azaleas beside fences, along sidewalks or to delineate a property line.

Since encore azaleas require little maintenance, they are ideal for planting around gardens or other landscape markers such as mailboxes or patios. Their long-lasting and colorful blooms add a dimension of simplistic beauty to any space.

Encore azaleas can be used for foundation planting around a home or other edifice. Since they come in different sizes with different color blossoms, encore azaleas can be planted in groups or patterns that will enhance the foundation they surround, making it look more welcoming and lively.

You can add a nice accent to a space underneath a window or beside a staircase that will last from early spring to late fall.

When planting encore azaleas, make sure to leave enough space between each plant to allow them to grow to their full size without crowding each other. Also, make sure to plant them in an area where the soil drains well and where the plants will get at least four hours of sun a day to make sure that they attain ideal blooming conditions.

Encore azaleas grow well when planted in containers or other garden or landscape pots. Placing encore azaleas in containers or pots on a porch, deck or other yard space where people gather will enhance the space by adding color that lasts throughout the growing season. If you have sunny areas within your home, such as a sun room or solarium, you can also put encore azaleas in these spaces to enliven the space.

To add to the effect, include other plants in the containers with the encore azaleas. By adding other flowers, grasses or even vines you diversify your assortment and make the display larger and more appealing. Use plants that thrive in slightly acidic soil when planting in the same pot as encore azaleas, and make sure that there are ample drainage holes in the pot.