As today’s modern landscapes have gotten smaller, Encore Azaleas have made sure that you have plenty of choices when it comes to picking colorful blooming shrubs that will fit perfectly. The Encore Azalea group has grown to 33 varieties, and 18 of those stunning selections are classified as dwarf. While they may be compact in habit, they go big on blooms.
Now you can choose your favorite colors of azaleas for evergreen foundation plants knowing they will not cover your home’s windows. You’ll be able to enjoy their riveting color throughout the year indoors or out.
Dwarf Encore Azaleas typically reach 2 ½ to 3 feet tall, allowing you the opportunity to create dramatic vistas and partnerships throughout the landscape. Consider the possibilities of layering your azaleas, perhaps utilizing taller Encores in the background and dwarf in front. You might like the pink Autumn Jewel with the dwarf purple Autumn Lilac and white Autumn Angel in the front for a festive Easter-colored assortment.
Companion Plant Ideas for Dwarf Encore Azaleas
The Southern Living Plant Collection, however, offers incredible companion choices allowing you to maximize leaf texture – and even leaf color – to make your landscape the envy of the neighborhood. The collection offers several dazzling abelias that could be partnered with Encore dwarf azaleas to create a wow moment.
Miss Lemon Abelia is one. It reaches about the same height as dwarf Encore Azaleas but features a graceful arching habit with everchanging foliage color variegation that is green, with gold to chartreuse centers, aging to a rich with ivory. A sweep, or odd-numbered cluster of three to five of these abelias with your favorite dwarf red Encore Azalea, like Autumn Bonfire, or the heavy summer bloomer Autumn Coral, would surely bring out the cameras.
Consider also ‘Kaleidoscope’ Abelia, with flaming golden yellow leaves that turn rusty orange in the fall. Again, plant in a sweep, drift, or odd number cluster, and combine with the dwarf purple Autumn Lilac or Autumn Embers– one of five dwarf red selections. These stunning abelias all offer summer light pink or white blooms that will bring in butterflies and hummingbirds.
The complementary color of red is green, and for that reason, we think there is a lot to be said for partnering one of the dwarf red Encore Azaleas like Autumn Fire with the elegant oak-shaped leaves of Oakland Holly. Picture using this holly as an accent and seeing the bright red berries in the fall simultaneously with the cheerful red blooms of your azaleas – can you say “Happy Holidays?”
Mention spring-blooming shrubs and you’re most likely to think about camellias and azaleas competing together to see who can be the most beautiful. Imagine duplicating that same picturesque landscape in the fall. It’s possible, and the combinations are only limited by your imagination.
Like the classical concert that ends in a finale, Encore Azaleas ring in fall with an explosion of blooms. So, envision the landscape full of dwarf Encore Azaleas boldly planted with your favorite choices of the 11 October Magic camellia sasanquas. Fall will forever be redefined with this canvas of extraordinary blooms.
Ready to choose your reblooming azaleas?