I've had Encores for 9 years and they do very well here just southwest of Richmond (zone 7.) They bloom well in the spring, put out sporadic blooms all summer, and then put on another beautiful flush of blooms in fall. There are quite a few different Encores available now and they come in different forms (upright, spreading, etc.) Do a google search for them and you will find their website with colors and forms identified. I highly recommend them.

My Encores have done fine except when they get nibbled by deer. If you are planting them near a foundation, make sure to monitor the soil Ph since azaleas are acid loving and leaching from concrete or bricks will make the area more alkaline over time.

Larry

Thank you Larry for your reply. The leaching is something that I am concerned about as I have a brick front. My neighbors have azaleas and they are doing fine and I can bet none of them thought to test their PH let alone mulch.My neighbors think I'm obsessed with the garden and a little wacky. :-) I would have to say yes on both accounts. I like the idea that the Encore azaleas bloom in spring & fall. I think I'm going to give them a try. I will test the soil and see what it needs. Thanks again.

I like e'm, too. I prefer the Exter series, but they're all beautiful.

Christine

I am thinking of using encore azaleas along the border of a front walk. A person at a store told me they would bloom as noted here and they would be green in the winter months even though that is not a time for blooms. I would like a plant with color that looks good in winter, but don't want to add just another variety of holly or evergreen. Do you think encore azaleas will meet my needs. I can control the size of the plant. Thanks.
Dan