Meet Autumn Starlite®
Fresh, bright, and delightfully detailed—Autumn Starlite® Encore Azalea sprinkles its white, single blooms with pink flecks and the occasional pink stripe, creating a subtle bicolor effect that sparkles in the landscape. The plant’s narrow, light green foliage adds a clean, modern texture, while a compact, easy-to-place habit makes Autumn Starlite a natural fit for front beds, paths, and foundation lines.
Why you’ll love it
- Sparkling bicolor petals: White flowers accented by pink speckling and stripes deliver close-up charm and curb-appeal clarity.
- Encore® rebloom: A strong spring flush followed by repeat bloom cycles through summer and fall keeps color in play for months.
- Right-sized, polished form: Compact, mounding structure slides neatly into small spaces without constant pruning.
- Refined foliage: Narrow, light green leaves brighten plantings year-round and frame the flowers beautifully.
Looking for a crisp, elegant rebloomer with a touch of whimsy? Autumn Starlite Encore Azalea brings luminous flowers and effortless structure in one tidy package.
Color & bloom
Expect blankets of single, bicolor blooms ~3" across: white petals dusted with pink flecks and sometimes a distinct pink stripe that reads as a playful “starlite” effect. After the spring headliner, additional bloom waves arrive in warm weather, keeping Autumn Starlite lively long after traditional azaleas fade.
Size & habit
- Height: ~3.5 feet
- Spread: ~4 feet
- Form: Compact, gently mounding, and well-branched—ideal for edging, pathside accents, and foundation rhythm plantings.
Where it thrives
- Light: 4–6 hours of direct sun; morning sun with afternoon shade is best, especially in hotter or reflective sites.
- Soil: Acidic (target pH 5.0–6.0), well-drained, evenly moist. Amend dense or alkaline soils with organic matter and consider a soil acidifier if needed.
- Water: Keep consistently moist during establishment; deep water during heat or drought, particularly ahead of bloom cycles.
- Climate: Broadly adaptable; apply 2–3" mulch to 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 is desired, prune right after the spring flush so you keep buds for summer/fall flowers.
- Simple upkeep: Refresh mulch annually, monitor soil pH, and water during prolonged dry spells to maintain foliage brightness and steady flowering.
Design ideas
- Clean lines, soft sparkle: Use Autumn Starlite along walkways or low walls where the bicolor flowers and narrow foliage read as refined detail up close.
- Modern monochrome: Pair with silver and white tones to amplify the bloom’s crisp palette; the pink flecks add just the right hint of playfulness.
- Foundation rhythm: Repeat at regular intervals for a cohesive, mounded silhouette that stays neat year-round and lights up in bloom.
Subtle pattern, steady rebloom, and a perfectly polished habit—Autumn Starlite brings a modern glow to any planting. Plant it once, and enjoy a season-after-season constellation of color.
