In a range of dazzling hues, Encore Azaleas offer a versatile and stunning plant choice for poolside planters, adding beauty, benefits, and most importantly BLOOMS to your backyard haven!
Choosing Colors:
Blue skies, turquoise waters… when it comes to landscaping around pools, it’s all about bringing bright color to complement these cerulean hues! As evergreen shrubs, your Encore Azaleas will bring brilliant emerald foliage to the pool party across the seasons, but they offer one more summertime surprise – blooms! Unlike other azaleas, Encore Azaleas bloom in spring, then bloom again in summer, and one final encore performance in the fall. There are plenty of colors to choose from across a diverse range of blooming hues, from pretty pinks and luxurious purples to ravishing reds. Color experts recommend pairing most pools’ turquoise color with blooms in coral hues (think Autumn Coral® or Autumn Monarch®) or crisp whites like the new Autumn Moonstruck®.
Poolside Benefits:
Aside from their visual appeal, Encore Azaleas offer several practical benefits when planted near your pool. The dense foliage of these shrubs provides privacy, helping to create a secluded and intimate poolside space. For more privacy, opt for a variety such as Autumn Ivory®, which has slender, compact branches and dense evergreen leaf coverage. Additionally, Encore Azaleas are relatively low maintenance and their compact size makes them ideal for container planting. They require minimal pruning and are known to be drought-tolerant, making them suitable for sunny areas.
Planting Tips:
To maximize the beauty of Encore Azaleas as poolside planters, consider the following planting tips:
- Select the Right Varieties: Encore Azaleas come in various sizes and colors, so choose the ones that suit your poolside area’s dimensions and desired aesthetic. Dwarf varieties such as Autumn Starburst® or Autumn Fire® are ideal for container plantings, as their mature size is just three feet tall and wide.
- Container Selection: Choose large and sturdy containers that are double the pot size of the original Encore container. Make sure they have proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
- Placement: Place your planters strategically around the pool, considering factors such as sunlight exposure and privacy requirements. Create a balanced arrangement by varying the height and color of the azaleas. Try pairing dwarf varieties such as Autumn Sundance® and Autumn Majesty®, which have complementary variations of fuchsia and purple, as well as slight differences in size at maturity.
- Soil and Watering: Use light, well-draining soil and amend it with fertilizer suitable for azaleas. Maintain regular watering, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
Companion Planting:
For a finishing touch that wows, consider incorporating companion plants into your container combo. Choose plants that thrive in similar conditions and complement the azaleas’ colors. Some great options include Autumn Sunburst® paired with Carex EverColor® ‘Everillo’, deep red petunias, and chartreuse sedum. This planting combination will add depth, contrast, and texture to your poolside area.
With their captivating blooms, practical benefits, and low-maintenance nature, Encore Azaleas are an excellent choice for poolside planters. By carefully selecting varieties, positioning them strategically, and providing proper care, you can create a picturesque and serene poolside retreat that will be the envy of your guests. So, embrace the beauty of Encore Azaleas and elevate your poolside paradise to new heights!