The Most Cold Hardy Encore Azaleas
For more than 15 years Encore Azaleas have been tested in gardens, trials, and plant nurseries across the country. While all 29 Encore Azalea varieties have tested cold hardy to at least USDA zone 7, University studies and extensive plantings throughout the Midwest and Northeast have shown 13 of the 29 varieties are cold hardy through USDA zone 6. (USDA Zone Map). You'll find these varieties listed below or click here to find a complete listing of all 29 Encore Azalea varieties and the USDA Cold Hardiness Zones for each.
TIP: All Encore Azaleas are frost-tolerant, which means there is no need to cover them in the event of a frost. That being said, if your Encore Azaleas have begun to put out new growth during an early warm-up in spring, and then along comes a late frost, it might be a good idea to cover plants with a blanket or white plastic for the night just to protect the new, tender growth, and possibly buds and blooms. To avid stimulating new growth that could be damaged by an early fall frost, cease fertilization 2 months prior to the average first frost date in your area.
