Meet Autumn Jewel®
Four seasons of good looks, one easy shrub. Autumn Jewel® Encore Azalea delivers pink blooms in spring, summer, and fall, then shifts into a show of attractive purple winter foliage for off-season color. Among the hardiest in the Encore® collection, Autumn Jewel is rated hardy to USDA Zone 6A, giving colder-climate gardeners dependable rebloom and evergreen structure without the fuss.
Why you’ll love it
- Year-round color: Pink flowers through three seasons; foliage turns purple in winter.
- Cold-tolerant: One of the most cold-hardy Encores—USDA Zone 6A—for reliable performance in cooler regions.
- Evergreen poise: Dense, glossy leaves keep beds looking finished even between bloom cycles.
- Landscape flexible: A balanced 4' × 4' habit suits foundations, borders, and high-visibility containers.
Looking for a northern-friendly rebloomer? Autumn Jewel Encore Azalea brings reliable color and winter interest where many azaleas won’t.
Color & bloom
Expect a strong spring flush of single-form, pink flowers ~2" across, followed by repeat bloom waves in warm weather. The clear pink tone reads brightly from the curb and pairs beautifully with a variety of palettes. As temperatures drop, the foliage deepens to purple, keeping the plant visually engaging long after the last petals fall.
Size & habit
- Height: ~4 feet
- Spread: ~4 feet
- Form: Dense, rounded, and well-branched—easy to mass, hedge low, or spotlight as a stand-alone accent.
Where it thrives
- Light: 4–6 hours of direct sun; morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal, especially in hotter zones or reflective sites.
- Soil: Acidic (pH 5.0–6.0), well-drained, and evenly moist. Amend heavy or alkaline soils with organic matter and consider a soil acidifier if needed.
- Water: Maintain consistent moisture during establishment; deep water during heat or drought, especially ahead of bloom cycles.
- Climate: Excellent choice for cooler regions (Zone 6A); apply 2–3" mulch to moderate soil temperature and conserve moisture.
Planting & care
- Plant slightly high: Set the root ball 1–2" above grade to protect against waterlogging.
- Backfill & mulch: Use amended native soil; mulch 2–3" deep, keeping mulch a couple of inches from stems.
- Feed for flowers: In early spring, apply a slow-release, acid-formulating fertilizer labeled for azaleas/rhododendrons; a light post-bloom top-up can support rebloom.
- Prune with timing: Minimal pruning needed. If shaping is desired, prune right after the spring flush to preserve buds for summer/fall flowers.
- Winter readiness: In colder sites, maintain mulch and even moisture into late fall to support strong winter color and plant vigor.
Design ideas
- Foundation finesse: Repeat Autumn Jewel along the front bed for a ribbon of pink in season and purple foliage in winter.
- Mixed borders: Pair with hydrangeas, heuchera, and ornamental grasses for layered texture and long-running interest.
- Four-season containers: In large planters by entries or patios, rebloom, and winter foliage keep containers attractive all year.
- Cold-climate color: Use near pathways and windows where you’ll appreciate flowers in season and foliage color in winter.
Autumn Jewel is a resilient, cold-hardy rebloomer with dependable pink flowers and eye-catching purple winter foliage—true four-season beauty for real-world gardens.
