Autumn Twist Encore® Azalea
The classics have an enduring quality, whatever that “classic” may be. Take a classic car, for instance. The styling of the body, the rev of the engine … all of it takes you back to simpler days. But put yourself in the driver’s seat for a day and then look at the gas gauge, or pry your body out of that old seat. Both your wallet and your back are a little achy. “Classic” may be alluring, but it doesn’t mean it can’t be improved upon.
In the realm of azaleas, there are plenty of classic varieties. Despite their persistence in the market, they, too, have some attributes that could use some refining. Encore Azaleas have revolutionized the typical classic azalea—transforming its once-per-year bloom time into three seasons of beautiful blooms.
If you’re a fan of any of these three classic azalea varieties for your landscape, consider these Encore “look-a-likes” with the blooming bonus of three seasons of colorful flowers!
George L. Taber Azalea? Use Autumn Sweetheart
The George L. Taber azalea is as classic a bicolor azalea as they come. The pink-as-bubblegum bloom has a patch of darker pink spots in the center of its upper petals. Contrasting with the green leaves, the George L. Taber pops with color each spring.
Autumn Sweetheart, on the other hand, offers the same splashes of light and dark bubblegum pinks in spring but continues to bloom well into the fall. With ruffled flowers as sweet as candy, its evergreen foliage provides a burst of bright green all year long. Autumn Sweetheart is also a tad smaller than George L. Taber, making it a better choice for foundation plantings.
Autumn Sweetheart, Photo by David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0
Conversation Piece Azalea? Use Autumn Twist
Conversation Piece azalea is a historically popular choice for its playful petals. An irreverent smattering of dark and light pinks flow with streaks of pinkish cream, making each flower unique unto itself. A dense net of dark green foliage covers the 3-ft. tall shrub year round.
Autumn Twist is breaking the boundaries of these unique blooms, bringing bright color beyond just one season! With big 3” blooms, Autumn Twist’s pink-and-cream-splattered flowers dazzle from spring through fall. As an added “wow” moment, a solid purple blossom or two peeks out to offer extra color. While slightly taller than Conversation Piece, Autumn Twist tops out at a reasonable 4 ft. tall.
White Cascade Azalea? Use Autumn Angel
White Cascade is one of the several classic white-flowering azaleas of spring. White Cascade’s brilliant white blooms look as crisp as a freshly laundered oxford (another “classic”). The rounded shape and its full coverage when blooming makes White Cascade aflood with blooms in spring.
White Cascade Azalea, Photo by David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0
But after spring, White Cascade’s blooms disappear. Autumn Angel, on the other hand, brings out a second and third flush of snow-white flowers in summer and fall. Dark green glossy foliage shimmers year-round against the flowers’ pure white petals. Autumn Angel has a more compact size (3 ft. compared to White Cascade’s 4-6 ft.), but is just as flower-laden with 3-in. blooms. Perfect for cut flower gardens, Autumn Angel brings ethereal beauty to outdoor and indoor spaces alike.
General Encore Azalea Care
Keep these general care instructions in mind when considering your Encore Azaleas:
- Unlike other azaleas, Encore Azaleas like full sun or part shade. Find a location that receives 4.5-6 hours of direct or filtered sunlight each day.
- Azaleas do best in acidic, well-draining soils. The optimal soil pH should be between 5.5-6.5. Do not plant in moist or water-logged soils.
- Water newly planted azaleas frequently and deeply during the first season. Dry roots will put the shrubs in jeopardy.
- Encore azaleas require very little pruning, if any, to maintain a pleasing shape. If your Encore does require some pruning, do so after the spring blooming time. This will help stimulate new growth and maximize summer and fall blooming.
- Fertilize with the recommended levels of azalea food right after planting. Do not fertilize after August.