BLOGGER REPORTS MONARCHS NECTARING AT ENCORE AZALEAS
backyardwildlifeconnection by Terry W.Johnson
Native azaleas are nectar plants used by butterflies and other pollinators. However, such is not the case with ornamental azaleas. While these showy exotic spring bloomers are beautiful, they are not known for their production of nectar. However, a few years ago I was surprised to find that a hybrid known as Encore Azalea does indeed attract butterflies.
Since that discovery, I have witnessed eastern tiger swallowtails, cloudless sulphurs, painted ladies, ocolas, common buckeyes, and long-tailed skippers nectaring at Encore Azalea blossoms.
An April 13, 2024, post by an anonymous blogger stated that monarchs also nectar on the shrub.
If you have noticed other butterflies nectaring on Encore Azaleas, please let me know.
