Why Encore Azaleas Are Perfect for Ocala Gardens
If you want landscaping that offers multiple seasons of vibrant color with minimal upkeep in central Florida, Encore Azaleas are a winning choice. This week’s blog will explain why they thrive here, how to incorporate them into your garden and why they’re a consistent in our signature look when transforming your outdoor space with Bella Design Landscapes.
What Makes Encore Azalea So Special?
Encore Azaleas are reblooming evergreen shrubs that flower in spring, summer, and fall—hence, their name Encore, they like to show their blooms like your favorite 80’s concert. Available in 30+ cultivars, they display stunning florals ranging from fiery reds (like ‘Bonfire’) and oranges to pinks, purples, and whites, with flower sizes around 2–3″.
Why Encore Azaleas Are Perfect for Ocala
Full sun to part shade: Ideal bloom occurs with 4–6 hours of morning sun and afternoon shade—great under live oaks common in Marion County.
Heat & drought tolerance: After the first year, they handle Ocala’s dry spells well, needing deep watering only during driest periods.
Specific soil fit: They flourish in well‑drained, acidic soil (pH ~5.5 – 6.5).
Design Tips
Splash of Color-you can use Encores to bold pops of color in your garden beds or along borders. These shrubs offer consistent blooming and foliage structure even when not blooming, they’re still pretty year round.
Hedge-Place 2–3 ft apart to hedge around homes. Their evergreen nature offers year-round interest with spring and fall color blooms.
Enhancing Trees in Garden Beds-Their part shade tolerance makes them excellent beneath canopy trees, enhancing garden beds and creating layered designs.
Planting & Care Guide
Planting-If you like to do your own gardening, here’s what we recommend:
Dig hole 12” wider than root ball
Position top of root ball slightly higher than ground level, spacing according to mature size (center-to-center).
Watering
First year: keep soil consistently moist with deep watering (1″ weekly) and gradually reduce water when you feel like it’s established. If you hire us for your landscaping project, we will install drip to make your life easy!
Established plants: water deeply only during droughts; overwatering can lead to root issues.
Mulching
Apply 2–3″ pine straw or bark around bases to help maintain moisture.
Fertilizing
Use acid-loving fertilizer (azalea/camellia formula) after first spring bloom, then mid-summer.
Avoid fertilizing after July to prevent tender growth before cooler weather.
Pruning
Prune lightly after spring bloom (avoid late season cuts to preserve fall buds).
No need for aggressive pruning; they naturally maintain shape.
Avoid Common Gardening Mistakes
Avoid deep shade—this severely reduces rebloom potential.
Prevent overwatering to avoid soggy roots and fungal issues.
Maintain acidic soil (5.5–6.0).
Final Thoughts
Encore Azaleas are an excellent investment in Ocala landscapes—low-maintenance, heat-resilient, multi-season bloomers. With the right placement, soil prep, and care, you’ll enjoy months of color and structure while letting nature and design do the work.
If you’re looking for additional professional support with Encores, we would love to help you transform your outdoor space!
