Buddy Lee, the Louisiana native behind the iconic Encore Azaleas, has quite a unique story that intertwines passion, hard work, and perseverance. His journey started early, with a lifelong fascination for plants, especially azaleas, which he described as having a "magical trait" that captivated people during their blooming season. However, his journey wasn’t easy. As a registered nurse working night shift to support his plant-breeding dreams and his family, he faced an oversaturated azalea market in the 1980s.
The inspiration for the Encore Azalea came unexpectedly one summer when Buddy noticed an unusual azalea blooming in the middle of July. The plant was Rhododendron oldhamii, a Taiwanese species that bloomed during the summer. Seeing this rare phenomenon, Buddy knew he had found the key to developing a reblooming azalea that would stand out in a crowded market, blooming not only in spring, like traditional azaleas, but also in summer and fall, giving gardeners a "first act, second act, and even an encore" throughout the year.
The Vibrant Colors of Encore Azaleas
Over the next decade, he experimented with cross-breeding traditional azaleas with this summer-blooming species, working through tens of thousands of seedlings before narrowing it down to a few special cultivars. By 1995, after years of trial and error, Buddy, with Plant Development Services, introduced the first Encore Azaleas to the market, a revolutionary plant that blooms not only in spring but also in summer and fall. His perseverance paid off, as Encore Azaleas are now the world’s best-selling reblooming azaleas, adored for their vibrant colors and extended blooming periods.
View Encore Azalea Flower Colors
Buddy worked hard to ensure Encore Azaleas were not only repeat bloomers but also tough enough to survive the environmental challenges of heat and cold without needing excessive pampering. This toughness is something he takes pride in, as it reflects his philosophy of breeding plants that can thrive in the real world, not just in ideal garden conditions.
How to Care for Encore Azaleas
Buddy's work continues to evolve, with over 35 different varieties of Encore Azaleas available today. His legacy is not just in the plants he developed but in the inspiration he offers to future plant breeders, showing them that passion and hard work can indeed lead to success.
Today, Robert "Buddy" Lee is one of the most respected plant breeders and horticulturalists in North America, with over 30 years’ experience in nursery management, breeding, propagation and new plant development. He has received many awards that celebrate his achievements including the Louisiana Nursery and Landscape Association's Professional Achievement Award, and the Azalea Society of America's Distinguished Service Award.
