Summer is here to stay for a few more weeks, and while your Encore Azaleas are taking a break between their stunning rebloom cycles, your garden doesn’t have to miss out on vibrant color! Encore Azaleas are known for their spectacular floral displays in spring, summer, and fall, but during those times of transition, their evergreen foliage provides the perfect backdrop for a variety of other blooming plants! 🌺
Shrubs That Shine
Miss Lemon™ Abelia: The light pink blooms of Miss Lemon Abelia pop against the dark green foliage of Autumn Angel. This evergreen shrub’s foliage starts as a vibrant yellow with green centers and matures to a striking ivory and green. Its mounding shape reaches 3-4 feet tall and is a perfect companion to your Autumn Angel for a sophisticated garden look. Miss Lemon is hardy in USDA Zones 6-9!
Jubilation™ Gardenia: If you’re looking for a showstopper, look no further! Jubilation Gardenia features glossy dark green leaves adorned with intoxicatingly fragrant double blooms. Its similar soil requirements make it an ideal partner for Encore Azaleas. Try pairing it with Autumn Starburst for an eye-catching contrast of white-and-pink bicolor blooms. Jubilation thrives in USDA Zones 7-10!
Add extra flair with perennials and annuals that fill in when your Encore Azaleas are transitioning. Consider planting white, light pink, or light yellow-flowered annuals like New Guinea Impatiens or grandiflora petunias, which also bring the added bonus of evening fragrance. Yellow African Irises, tuberous begonias, and annual salvia not only contribute color but also add texture to your garden beds. The sky—or your garden bed—is the limit! 🌤️
Ready to take your garden to the next level? Pairing your Encore Azaleas with these companion plants will ensure your garden is bursting with color all season long. Happy planting!
