How to Care for Encore Azaleas in Texas
The Encore azalea is a patented form of flowering shrub invented by Robert E. "Buddy" Lee in the early 1980s, according to the Encore Azalea website. Unlike other azalea varieties which only bloom in the spring, the 24 varieties of Encore azalea bushes also bloom throughout the summer and fall months. Encore azaleas grow well in east and northern Texas but do require special care in the hot summer months. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Soil pH tester
- Sulfur
- Bow rake
- Pine mulch
- 10-10-10 slow-release granular fertilizer
- Hand pruners
Instructions
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Insert a soil pH tester into the ground near the Encore azaleas to ensure that the pH level is in the acidic range. In most Texas locations, you must add sulfur to the soil at a rate of 1 1/2 lb. for every 100 square feet of soil. Rake the sulfur into the top 1 inch of soil with a bow rake.
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Water the soil under the Encore azaleas twice per week during the first year of growth to keep the soil constantly moist. During the summer, when Texas temperatures rise above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, daily watering may be required.
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Spread a 1- to 2-inch layer of pine mulch or pine straw underneath the Encore azaleas to prevent moisture loss and to help increase the acidity of the soil.
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Wait until early to mid-March in Texas and apply an all-purpose, slow-release granular fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, to the soil under the Encores. If you notice the flowers start to diminish in mid-summer, apply another dose of fertilizer in July.
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Wait until mid- to late April just after the first set of flowers have begun to fade on the Encore azaleas. Prune off any dead stems near the base of the bush using hand pruners. Prune the remaining shrub to shape it as desired by cutting off whole branches or the tips.
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Tips & Warnings
Encore azaleas do not require pruning so you can skip this step if no shaping is desired.
