Question
I am considering buying Encore azaleas.  I was wondering if they really do bloom as much as they are advertised to blood.  Can you prune them to keep them a particular height without compromising the blooming.  I noticed that they are only sold in Northern California.  I live in San Diego and was wondering if these azaleas might not do well here?

Ronelle

Answer
Hello Ronelle

I've never seen an Encore Azalea in flower, so I can't vouch for its level of bloom. However, I have grown many other Azaleas and know that when they are happy they are covered in bloom and are an absolute joy!

Of course, you have to be able to give them the conditions they need - an acid soil is vital.  If you don't know whether or not your soil is acid, it is a simple matter of buying a soil testing kit from the garden center and following the instructions.

If it turns out that your soil is not acidic, then I wouldn't recommend that you even consider this plant for your garden.  

You may be told that you can grow them in pots of lime-free compost, but they really don't do very well after the first year or two, and there is the added complication of having to make sure that you water them only with rain water.

As for the regions they will grow in - I don't see any reason they wouldn't do well in San Diego, Azaleas as much tougher than they look, being mostly fully hardy.

I hope your soil is acid so that you can enjoy this lovely plant!