Autumn Ruby®

Petite in size, big on presence—Autumn Ruby® Encore Azalea covers itself in amazing ruby-red, single blooms that bring crisp definition to formal beds, borders, and small accent spaces. With glossy evergreen foliage and reliable rebloom from spring into fall, Autumn Ruby delivers season-long color without overwhelming your design.

Why you’ll love it

• Refined, formal look: Dainty flowers and tidy structure complement clipped hedges, geometric paths, and curated borders.
• Encore® rebloom: A strong spring display is followed by repeat flushes through warm weather for months of color.
• Space-savvy star: Perfect scale for front-of-bed placements, walkway edging, and container accents.

Color & bloom

Expect carpets of ruby-red, single blooms roughly 1.25" across—small, sparkling flowers that read clearly from the curb and reward close-up viewing. The vivid red tone holds beautifully against deep green leaves, giving Autumn Ruby azalea the classic polish people love in red Encore Azaleas.

Size & habit

• Height: ~2.5 feet
• Spread: ~3 feet
• Form: Naturally compact, rounded, and well-branched—easy to mass in ribbons or spotlight as a neat, low accent.

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, particularly ahead of bloom cycles.
• Climate: Broadly adaptable; a 2–3" mulch layer helps conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature.

Planting & care

1. Plant slightly high: Set the root ball 1–2" above grade to prevent soggy roots.
2. Backfill & mulch: Use amended native soil; mulch 2–3" deep, keeping it a couple of inches from stems.
3. 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.
4. Prune with timing: Minimal pruning needed. If shaping is desired, prune right after the spring flush so you don’t remove developing buds for summer/fall blooms.
5. Simple upkeep: Refresh mulch annually, monitor soil pH, and water during extended dry spells to maintain foliage luster and flower production.

Design ideas

• Formal edging: Repeat plant along a walkway for a crisp, ruby ribbon that outlines the path.
• Small-space accent: Tuck one near steps or in a tight front bed for year-round structure and bursts of red.
• Container clarity: Use as a single “hero” plant in a classic pot; the compact habit and rebloom keep entries lively.

Autumn Rubby is a compact red Encore Azalea that brings polished color and dependable performance to spaces large and small—proving that a little shrub can make a big statement.