[dropcap]A[/dropcap]t my nursery I am often asked to suggest a plant for a particular location. ‘Can you name an evergreen plant that blooms profusely, has large, showy flowers, and thrives in the shade?’
This used to involve a lot of head-scratching… until the introduction of the beautiful Encore Azaleas. This patented grouping of flowering shrubs blooms up to three seasons a year. They thrive in the shade and don’t care a bit about extremes of summer heat and winter cold.
‘They begin their performance with the spring flowering season. Once this first act of blooming concludes, new shoots begin to grow and set buds,’ they write at www.encoreazalea.com.
The Encore Azalea’s ‘second act’ opens when these buds begin blooming into full flower mid-summer. This unique bloom season continues through the fall, the curtain dropping with the onset of cold weather.
Encore Azaleas are easy to grow if planted in the proper soil and kept moderately moist.
Remember, shade is a must. Cool sun exposure is fine in the morning; however, protection from the hot afternoon sun is essential.
Proper soil for azaleas is peat moss. Either sphagnum or reed peat will work. The peat moss gives them the acidity to withstand the alkalinity of our soils and water.
Two parts peat to one part pine bark mulch will make a great soil mix. After planting, use additional pine bark to mulch around the base of the plant.
Encore azaleas also look beautiful when planted in containers. Placed in shady entryways or on porches or shady decks, they will add a startling array of color throughout the year.
Speaking of colors, you can choose from Encore Azaleas selection of 23 varieties, from a dozen shades of pink, to purple, lavender, white, salmon, coral, deep orange-pink, and shades of light to deep red.
Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t have an evergreen plant that blooms throughout the year. Encores can and they are easy to grow. A little peat, a little water, and a little (or a lot) of shade is all you need.
(Be warned: some Austin folks who promote native and adapted species may frown at your beautiful shady patch of these amazing flowering shrubs!)
Happy gardening everyone!
If you have a question for Chris, send it via email to [email protected]. Or mail a postcard to It’s About Thyme: 11726 Manchaca Road, Austin, TX 78748 www.itsaboutthyme.com
