Autumn Empress Encore® Azalea

The Autumn Empress™ Encore® Azalea is a larger evergreen azalea, reaching 4 to 5 feet tall, and so ideal for informal hedges and the center or back of garden beds. Grow it also in woodland areas, where its brilliant pink blooms will shine out across the garden. This plant blooms profusely in April, and then returns to bloom in August, continuing through the fall even into December, until ended by the first frost. Its semi-double flowers are large and bright, with spots and splashes of red inside the funnel of their petals. The very dark green leaves turn attractive shades of bronze in winter. For size, brightness and months of blooms this plant is number one.

• Months of bloom in April or May and from August to Frost
• Rich pink semi-double blooms with red spots on the petals
• Taller plant to 5 feet for hedges and background planting
• Grows well in large pots and planters
• Thrives in sunny locations

The Autumn Empress™ Encore® Azalea should be planted in full sun or light partial shade, to encourage that second fall blooming. It is hardy from warmer parts of zone 6 all the way into zone 10, and it should be planted in rich, moist, well-drained soil. The soil should have a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 – in more alkaline soils grow this plant in a pot, with soil for acid-loving plants. Few if any pests or diseases bother this plant, and it should not be trimmed, as this will reduce either spring or fall blooming, depending on when you trim it.