Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Planting
I recommend planting Encore Azaleas in sites that provide well-drained soil and some shade in the afternoon. Encore Azaleas do not like consistently wet soils. When planting in clay or compacted soil, I always dig the planting hole about three times the width of the root ball and add in about 1/3 organic matter, such as mushroom compost or composted cow manure, to the native soil. When planting azaleas on level ground, I always plant them with the top edge of the root ball about an inch or so above ground level, then taper the backfill soil mixture from the top edge of the root ball gradually to existing grade. This way, the azalea is being planted in a slightly raised mound, ensuring good drainage. With leftover soil, I usually build a raised water-retaining berm around the perimeter of the mound to trap more water from rainfall or from when watering. I build the berm just a few inches in height. Because they like acid soil, Azaleas are perfect for planting under the canopies of taller pine trees. The needles from the pines keep the soil acidic, and they provide free mulch.

Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Pruning
Encore Azaleas require very little pruning to retain good form and do not need "dead-heading." If you think your Encore Azalea needs pruning, do so immediately after the Spring flowering for maximum bud set. Use hand pruners to remove stray branches that spoil the shape of the plant. You can then prune lightly throughout the season after each cycle of blooms to encourage new growth. With Encore Azaleas, any time new growth is produced new buds are produced. New buds means new flowers. After each light pruning, fertilize lightly with a slow-release organic food or an azalea/camellia type fertilizer. This will also help to encourage more new growth and more new blooms.

Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Feeding
I feed Encore Azaleas after each bloom cycle. This promotes new growth and Encore Azaleas produce new flower buds whenever they produce new growth. When pruned and fertilized after each bloom phase you can keep Encore Azaleas blooming throughout the warm season. I usually feed azaleas with a slow-release plant food that contains iron. This keeps the foliage darker green and healthy looking.

Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Problems
Azaleas are known to attract insects, primarily lacebugs and aphids. Spraying with a product containing Neem oil, or with Malathion, can eliminate these pests. Rarely, azaleas will develop leaf gall. These are abnormal looking fleshy growth on the leaves caused by environmental conditions or insect stings. Leaf gall will not really harm your plants, they're just unsightly growths. Simply prune affected branches out and discard them. Also, azaleas do not like wet - poor draining soils. Always plant them in well-drained soils and do not over water them. Just keep the soil a little moist during the first summer or two. After that, azaleas are usually quite drought tolerant.