Autumn Sweetheart®

Soft, romantic, and remarkably reliable—Autumn Sweetheart® Encore Azalea brings a two-tone look that feels hand-painted. The pink flowers are so soft they sometimes appear almost white, and they’re delicately dotted with lavender freckles, glowing against rich, evergreen foliage. With a strong spring show and repeat bloom into summer and fall, Autumn Sweetheart delivers elegance that lasts.

Why you’ll love it

• Dreamy two-shade blooms: Blush-pink petals that can read nearly white, kissed with lavender freckles for close-up intrigue.
• Encore® rebloom: Heavy spring flush with encore performances through warm weather.
• Evergreen contrast: Deep green leaves frame the pastel flowers and keep beds looking finished year-round.
• Balanced proportions: A symmetrical habit that’s easy to place and easy to love.

Looking for a refined, long-blooming accent? Autumn Sweetheart Encore Azalea layers soft color and dependable performance in one graceful shrub.

Color & bloom

Expect abundant single to semi-double blooms ~2.5" across. Petals open soft pink—sometimes reading nearly white—then reveal lavender speckling toward the throat. The effect is luminous from a distance and delightfully detailed up close, with repeat waves of flowers carrying color well into autumn.

Size & habit

• Height: ~4 feet
• Spread: ~4 feet
• Form: Dense, rounded, and well-branched—polished enough for front-of-house placements and focal beds without constant pruning.

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: 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 waterlogging.
2. Backfill & mulch: Use amended native soil; mulch 2–3" deep, keeping mulch a couple of inches from stems.
3. Feed for flowers: In early spring, apply a slow-release, acid-forming 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 preserve buds for summer/fall flowers.
5. Steady upkeep: Refresh mulch annually, monitor soil pH, and water during extended dry spells to maintain foliage luster and abundant bloom.

Design ideas

• Front-entry elegance: Use in pairs by steps or walks so the pastel blooms and freckles draw the eye.
• Monochrome serenity: Combine with whites, silvers, and pale pinks for a soft, curated palette.
• Contrast chic: Set near gold or chartreuse evergreens so the nearly-white petals and lavender speckles shine.

Soft color, evergreen structure, and a bloom show that keeps coming—Autumn Sweetheart is the gentle statement piece that makes every season feel thoughtfully designed. Plant it once, and let its blush-and-lavender glow do the rest.