Meet Autumn Royalty®
Regal presence meets reliable performance—Autumn Royalty® Encore Azalea is a robust, upright selection with deep green foliage that sets off large, rich purple blooms. Voted Azalea of the Year by the American Rhododendron Society, Autumn Royalty delivers a headline spring show and returns in waves through summer and fall, bringing luxurious color to foundations, borders, and high-visibility beds.
Why you’ll love it
- Award-winning color: Big, saturated purple flowers command attention and elevate curb appeal.
- Encore® rebloom: A strong spring flush followed by repeat bloom cycles into autumn.
- Architectural habit: Upright form provides structure where you need it—perfect for rhythm plantings and back-of-border anchoring.
- Evergreen polish: Dense, glossy leaves keep plantings looking finished all year.
Color & bloom
Expect single-form blooms ~3.5" across in a deep, velvety purple—generous in spring, then reappearing through warm weather for extended seasonal impact. The bold petals read clearly from a distance and reveal rich tonality up close, giving Autumn Royalty Azalea the dramatic presence gardeners associate with a true purple Encore Azalea.
Size & habit
- Height: ~4.5 feet
- Spread: ~4 feet
- Form: Upright, full, and well-branched—naturally suited to layered borders and symmetrical entry plantings.
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 heavy or alkaline soils with organic matter; consider a soil acidifier where needed.
- Water: Keep consistently moist during establishment; deep water during heat or drought, particularly 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 is needed. If shaping is desired, prune right after the spring flush to preserve developing buds for summer/fall bloom.
- Ongoing upkeep: Refresh mulch annually, monitor soil pH, and water during prolonged dry spells to maintain foliage luster and flower production.
Design ideas
- Entry grandeur: Flank steps or gates with paired Autumn Royalty for formal symmetry and season-spanning color.
- Color contrast: Combine with gold or chartreuse evergreens so the purple blooms shine; weave among silver grasses for a modern palette.
- Layered borders: Position behind lower mounded shrubs and perennials to create depth and a consistent bloom line.
Autumn Royalty is a standout purple Encore Azalea that brings award-winning bloom power and evergreen structure to any planting. Plant it once, and enjoy a royal performance season after season.
