The Most Cold Hardy Encore Azaleas

Since the late 1990's, Encore Azaleas have been tested in gardens, trials, and plant nurseries across the country. While all 30 Encore Azalea varieties have tested cold hardy to at least USDA zone 7, University studies and extensive plantings throughout the Midwest and Northeast have shown 14 of the 30 varieties are cold hardy through USDA zone 6. (USDA Zone Map). You'll find these varieties listed below or click here to find a complete listing of all 29 Encore Azalea varieties and the USDA Cold Hardiness Zones for each.

Note:  All Encore Azaleas are frost-tolerant, which means there is no need to cover them in the event of a frost. That being said, if your Encore Azaleas have begun to put out new growth during an early warm-up in spring, and a late frost is forecast, it might be a good idea to cover plants with a blanket or white plastic for the night just to protect the new, tender growth, and possibly buds and blooms. To avoid stimulating new growth that could be damaged by an early fall frost, cease fertilization and pruning 2 months prior to the average first frost date in your area.

Below are some of the most cold hardy of the Encore Azaleas. Make sure to check the USDA Zone to know if a specific variety is cold hardy in your area. Find Your Zone >