Meet Autumn Sunset®
Warm, vivid, and endlessly eye-catching—Autumn Sunset® Encore Azalea captures the glow of spectacular skies with orange-red blooms that read as a true red Encore Azalea from a distance and reveal sunset nuance up close. Against deep green foliage, the flowers make an instant statement in beds, borders, and entry plantings, with a strong spring flush followed by repeat color in summer and fall.
Why you’ll love it
- Sunset tones, all season: Vivid orange-red petals recall dramatic evening skies.
- Encore® rebloom: Heavy spring bloom with reliable encore performances into autumn.
- Evergreen polish: Dense, dark foliage keeps plantings looking finished year-round.
- Right-sized impact: Compact habit fits modern beds and small gardens without sacrificing drama.
Looking for a red rebloomer that truly pops? Autumn Sunset Encore Azalea delivers saturated color and dependable performance in a landscape-friendly package.
Color & bloom
Expect profuse single to semi-double blooms ~2.5" across in a saturated orange-red that stands crisply against the foliage. Flowers arrive in a headline spring show, then return in waves through warm weather—giving this Sunset Encore Azalea the long run of color gardeners want from red Encore azaleas.
Size & habit
- Height: ~3 feet
- Spread: ~3.5 feet
- Form: Dense, rounded, and well-branched—easy to mass along façades, outline paths, or spotlight in containers.
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 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 conserves moisture and moderates 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-forming fertilizer for azaleas/rhododendrons; a light post-bloom top-up supports rebloom.
- Prune with timing: Minimal pruning needed. If shaping is desired, prune right after the spring flush to preserve buds for summer/fall flowers.
- Simple upkeep: Refresh mulch annually, monitor soil pH, and water during prolonged dry spells to maintain foliage luster and flower production.
Design ideas
- Front-entry firelight: Use in pairs by steps or walkways where orange-red blooms glow against hardscape.
- Contrast play: Pair near gold or chartreuse evergreens to make the sunset tones shine; weave among silver grasses for a modern palette.
- Color echo: Repeat warm accents (terracotta pots, coral perennials) to build a cohesive, sun-washed look.
Dramatic bloom color, dependable rebloom, and a tidy evergreen form—Autumn Sunset proves a compact shrub can deliver a sky-high show. Plant it once, and enjoy sunset vibes in your garden, season after season.
