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Autumn Ruby Encore Azalea
Rhododendron x Encore ‘Autumn
Ruby’
Autumn Ruby is superb in formal gardens and small
hedges. It has attractive foliage on a small shrub.
Mature Size: 3 1/2' HT x 3' SPD
Bloom: 1.75"-2", red blooms
The Encore Azalea™ is similar to traditional azaleas in that
it requires proper planting, watering, and care to thrive in its
new home. The following guidelines will help to ensure that your
new plant grows to its full potential.
Dig a hole 6-8 inches deep and fill it with water.
If the hole drains within a few hours, you have good drainage. If
the water is still standing 12 hours later, check the drainage in
your yard, you may have to take corrective actions.
Turn the soil well and dig a hole twice as wide
as it is deep. Add organic material, such as compost or peat moss,
to the soil. Remove the azalea from its container and loosen the
root ball. Set the plant into your prepared hole, making sure the
top of the root ball is above the soil level. Pull your soil around
the plant, water in firmly and cover with mulch.
Water the azalea well when you first plant it
and keep the soil moist until winter. New azaleas will die quickly
when the soil dries excessively. Your new azalea should not need
regular watering after the first year unless there are periods of
drought. Fertilize with the recommended levels of azalea feed soon
after planting. Do not fertilize in the fall.
Azaleas do well when they are planted at this
time. New roots produced in the fall will help the azalea flourish
in the next growing season. Although less watering is necessary,
do not allow the roots to become dry. Your azalea should not need
watering after the first year unless there are periods of drought.
Cover your young azalea with insulating covering when extreme cold
weather approaches. As your Encore Azalea™ matures, it will
need less winter care. Do not fertilize until after the last frost.
Once the danger of frost has passed, use azalea feed as directed.
If you think that your Encore Azalea™ needs
pruning, do so immediately after spring flowering for maximum bud
set.
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