Meet Autumn Princess®
Compact in size and lavish in effect, Autumn Princess® Encore Azalea brings salmon-pink, semi-double blooms that read as sophisticated yet cheerful from spring with repeat shows into summer and fall. As temperatures cool, the glossy evergreen leaves deepen to a gorgeous burgundy hue, delivering true four-season appeal. With its naturally tidy habit, Autumn Princess is equally at home as a neat low hedge or a polished specimen near entries and patios.
Why you’ll love it
- Striking salmon flowers: Layered, semi-double petals (~2" across) provide plush texture and rich color.
- Encore® rebloom: A big spring flush followed by additional bloom cycles keeps color in the garden for months.
- Winter drama: Foliage shifts to deep burgundy in cold weather for off-season interest.
- Space-savvy form: A compact, well-branched shrub that fits modern beds and small gardens.
Looking for a pink Encore azalea with year-round presence? Autumn Princess Encore Azalea delivers color, structure, and staying power in one easy shrub.
Color & bloom
Expect abundant clusters of semi-double salmon blooms that open in spring and return in waves through warm weather. The salmon tone harmonizes with both brick and stone façades, while the double-petal look adds depth that stands out from the curb and rewards close-up views.
Size & habit
- Height: ~3.5 feet
- Spread: ~3 feet
- Form: Dense, rounded, and naturally compact—perfect for low hedging, border rhythm plantings, or a single specimen.
Where it thrives
- Light: 4–6 hours of direct sun; morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal, especially in hotter or reflective sites.
- Soil: Acidic (pH ~5.0–6.0), well-drained, and evenly moist. Amend dense or alkaline soils with organic matter; consider 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 soggy roots.
- 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 for azaleas/rhododendrons; a light post-bloom top-up can support rebloom.
- Prune with timing: Minimal pruning needed. If shaping a hedge, prune right after the spring flush to preserve buds for summer/fall flowers.
- Winter notes: Maintain even moisture into late fall to support foliage color and overall vigor.
Design ideas
- Low hedge, high style: Repeat Autumn Princess along walkways or front beds for a tidy ribbon of salmon color and burgundy winter foliage.
- Specimen spotlight: Place near porches, gates, or patio edges where the flower texture and winter color can be appreciated up close.
- Contrast palettes: Pair with gold or chartreuse evergreens to make blooms pop; weave with blue-green conifers for a modern scheme.
- Container charm: In porch planters, compact size and rebloom keep entries lively across three seasons.
When your plan calls for a compact shrub that works hard in every season, Autumn Princess answers with plush salmon flowers, dependable rebloom, and rich winter foliage color—small footprint, big statement.
