Meet Autumn Embers®
Fiery and reliable, Autumn Embers® Encore Azalea is one of the most popular rebloomers in the Encore® collection—and for good reason. Its deep orange-red, semi-double blooms ignite the landscape in spring and return in waves through summer and fall, creating a high-impact display against dense, glossy foliage. This compact standout delivers color that reads clearly from the curb and glows up close.
Why you’ll love it
- Signature hue: Saturated orange-red flowers provide bold, modern contrast with evergreen foliage.
- Encore® rebloom: Big spring show followed by repeat flushes into autumn.
- Compact footprint: Easy to place in front beds, borders, and containers without crowding.
- Low maintenance: Minimal pruning and straightforward care; great performance across a wide range of landscapes.
Color & bloom
Expect a generous spring flush of semi-double, deep orange-red flowers about 2.5" across, followed by additional bloom cycles as temperatures warm. The layered petals add texture and depth, giving Autumn Embers Encore Azalea a richer look than many single-flowered selections.
Size & habit
- Height: ~3 feet
- Spread: ~3.5 feet
- Form: Dense, rounded, and well-branched—perfect for foundation lines, mixed borders, and entry planters.
Where it thrives
- Light: 4–6 hours of direct sun (morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal in hotter climates).
- Soil: Acidic (pH ~5.0–6.0), well-drained, and evenly moist. Amend dense or alkaline soils with organic matter and a soil acidifier if needed.
- Water: Keep consistently moist while establishing; deep water during heat or drought, especially ahead of bloom cycles.
- Climate: Broadly adaptable; a 2–3" mulch layer helps conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature.
Planting & care
- Plant slightly high: Set the root ball 1–2" above grade to prevent waterlogging.
- Backfill & mulch: Use amended native soil; mulch 2–3" deep, keeping mulch a couple inches from stems.
- Feed for flowers: In early spring, apply a slow-release, acid-formulating fertilizer labeled for azaleas/rhododendrons. A light post-bloom feeding can support rebloom.
- Prune with timing: If shaping is desired, prune right after the spring flush to preserve buds for summer/fall blooms.
- Simple upkeep: Refresh mulch annually, monitor soil pH, and water during extended dry spells.
Design ideas
- Front-entry pop: Flank walkways or steps with paired Autumn Embers for instant curb appeal.
- Contrast plantings: Combine with gold or chartreuse evergreens to make the orange-red flowers sing.
- Mixed borders: Thread between hydrangeas, heuchera, and ornamental grasses for layered, four-season interest.
- Container color: In large pots, the compact habit and rebloom create a long-running show on patios and porches.
From foundation beds to high-profile containers, Autumn Embers Encore Azalea delivers a vivid, long-lasting show—proving why this fan favorite remains a go-to choice for gardeners who want dependable color well beyond spring.
