The Story of Plants and People

The Story of Azaleas

Robert “Buddy” Lee, the inventor of Encore^® Azalea, the world’s best-selling reblooming azalea, has more than 30 years’ experience in nursery management, breeding, propagation, and new plant development.

Buddy currently serves as Director of Plant Innovations for Plant Development Services, the introducers of Encore Azalea, the Southern Living® Plant Collection, and the new Sunset Western Garden Collection.

Buddy has been active in numerous horticultural groups and presently is serving as board member of IPPS-SR (International Plant Propagators Society – Southern Region) and of the Louisiana Nursery and Landscape Association. He is past president of The Azalea Society of America.