Azaleas are a staple flowering shrub in southern landscapes. It's hard to find a landscape in Zone 8 of Georgia without azaleas in it. The spectacular spring flowers of azaleas have made them among the most popular garden shrubs of all time. We plant Azaleas in beds that receive afternoon shade, and good drainage is a must as these plants do not like wet feet.

These days , with the introduction of the Encore Azaleas, azaleas have become shrubs for all seasons. The Encore Azaleas have been bred to bloom in both spring and fall, however we've found that many of the varieties bloom during summer as well. The Encores bloom on new growth, so whenever new growth is sent out there comes another flush of blooms. Feeding the plants on a regular basis during the growing season with a good organic fertilizer such as Milorganite will keep them blooming more often. There are about 30 varieties in the Encore Collection.

Azaleas can be used in many ways in landscapes. They can function as specimen plants or focal points, frames for focal points, settings around a tree or among groups of trees, or in foundation plantings. They can be placed in borders and beds, mulch islands, rock gardens, in woodland settings and along paths and driveways.

Taller growing varieties such as the heat and sun tolerant Southern Indica Azaleas, which grow 6 feet high and 6 to 8 feet wide, are a good choice for hedges, screens or backgrounds for other plants. The Southern Indica Azaleas will tolerate more sun that Encore Azaleas. The blooms are very large, like rhododendrons, and are produced in abundance in mid spring. These our our favorite azaleas.

All azaleas function in combination with other woody and companion plants. Azaleas because of their varied characteristics of plant size, forms, flower colors and bloom times are perhaps one of the more versatile shrubs around.