Meet Autumn Sangria®
Rich color, generous scale, and year-round polish—Autumn Sangria® Encore Azalea features one of the largest blooms in the Encore® collection and an especially dense growth habit. Its gorgeous dark pink-and-green combination makes an immediate statement, whether you’re showcasing a single shrub as a specimen or repeating plants along the foundation for cohesive curb appeal. With a strong spring flush followed by repeat bloom in summer and fall, Autumn Sangria keeps the color flowing long after traditional azaleas are done.
Why you’ll love it
- Big, bold flowers: Oversized, single blooms (~3.5" across) deliver dramatic impact from a distance and plush detail up close.
- Encore® rebloom: Spring headline show with encore performances into summer and fall.
- Dense, designer form: Naturally full habit reads “finished” without heavy pruning—perfect for high-visibility spaces.
- Evergreen contrast: Deep pink petals pop against glossy, dark green foliage for a refined, modern look.
Color & bloom
Expect masses of dark pink, single-form flowers—each about 3.5" across—that blanket the shrub in spring and return in waves through warm weather. The saturated bloom color pairs beautifully with brick, stone, and contemporary palettes alike, giving Autumn Sangria Azalea an unmistakable presence in any setting.
Size & habit
- Height: ~4.5 feet
- Spread: ~4 feet
- Form: Naturally dense and rounded, yet upright enough to read as architectural near entries and along façades—an easy fit for foundation lines and focal placements.
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, evenly moist. Amend heavy or alkaline soils with organic matter; consider a soil acidifier if needed.
- Water: Maintain consistent moisture during establishment; deep water in heat or drought, especially before bloom cycles.
- Climate: Broadly adaptable; a 2–3" mulch layer conserves moisture and moderates 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 it 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 is desired, prune right after the spring flush so you preserve buds for summer/fall flowers.
- Steady upkeep: Refresh mulch annually, monitor soil pH, and water during extended dry spells to maintain foliage luster and flower production.
Design ideas
- Specimen spotlight: Center one near a front walk or patio where the extra-large flowers and dense form can be appreciated up close.
- Foundation rhythm: Repeat at regular intervals for a continuous, color-forward line that stays neat year-round.
- Contrast play: Pair with gold or chartreuse evergreens to make the dark pink blooms glow; weave among silver grasses for a modern, high-contrast look.
- Cohesive color story: Echo the bloom tone with warm perennials or seasonal accents for a curated, pulled-together façade.
Autumn Sangria brings oversized blooms, dense evergreen structure, and dependable rebloom—an easy, elegant way to serve striking color season after season.
