Before you do anything else, refrain from planting your new Encore Azaleas in the shade. Unlike the traditional azalea shrubs, this flowering evergreen does best in full sun, even in Arkansas where they originated.
Autumn Angel Encore Azalea are hybrids and they will waste away if you plant them in places you would plant other azalea bushes.
You will want to ensure your planting location has good drainage. Azaleas and rhododendrons naturally grow in rocky areas where there is little moisture retention. While they do need some irrigation and will adapt to your soil with regular watering, the quick removal of water from their root zone is important. In heavy clay, always plant your Autumn Embers Encore Azaleas high in raised beds. Give them well-loosened soil twice the size of their roots even in perfect soil.
And treat your new flowering evergreen shrubs for sun to a feeding upon planting. Be sure to use acid fertilizers like Holly-Tone or MiracleGro for Azaleas. These are both slow release plant food. Follow the label directions for best results.
You’ll need to do some clipping to keep Autumn Debutant Encore Azaleas shaped. Don’t do any harsh shearing. You will loose your blooms for a while. If you selected the mature size wisely for where you want to grow your new Encore Azalea Shrubs, there is no need for hard pruning. They keep sending out blooms all season and into the onset of winter. The last thing you want to do is cut off your color.
Maintain regular watering the first year for your new ever blooming azaleas. Once azaleas have developed good strong roots into your soil they will be ready dance through dry spells and exhibit their excellent drought tolerance. Following these handy tips will provide you with more beauty and best performance from your new Autumn Debutante Encore Azaleas. 
