Encore Azalea has added McCorkle Nurseries to its nine-member wholesale grower network. McCorkle Nurseries will bring increased distribution and growing capacity for Encore Azalea, the only patented brand of azaleas to bloom in spring, summer, and fall.
Encore Azaleas, created by plant breeder Robert E. "Buddy" Lee of Independence, La., are available across the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Pacific Northwest. The grower network is managed by Loxley, Ala.-based Plant Development Services Inc. (PDSI). In addition to Encore Azalea, PDSI owns and/or licenses more than 50 patented plant properties, and continues to shape the way new, relevant plants reach the consumer.
The 23 varieties of Encore Azalea offer a growth habit and bloom color for every landscape. The evergreen shrubs enjoy more sun than traditional azaleas, but offer the same easy care.
Encore Azaleas begin blooming each spring like a traditional azalea. Once this initial blooming concludes, new shoots begin to grow and set buds. Then blooms emerge again in mid-summer and continue in many areas until first frost; that’s something no other azalea can consistently do.
McCorkle Nurseries markets more than 4 million plants annually, delivering to more than 1,800 customers in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. The growing operation consists of 840-acres, of which 440 acres are currently in production. McCorkle Nurseries added Encore Azaleas to its portfolio this winter for Spring 2007 availability.
“McCorkle Nurseries is pleased to become part of the Encore Azalea program. PDSI and world-class plant breeder, Buddy Lee, have done an amazing job creating the world's most popular brand of azaleas,” says Skeetter McCorkle, CEO of McCorkle Nurseries.
The 65-year-old third-generation, family-owned McCorkle Nurseries has 450 employees.
More information about McCorkle Nurseries can be found at www.mccorklenurseries.com; for more information about PDSI, visit www.plantdevelopment.com.