Meet Autumn Carnation®
A true season stretcher, Autumn Carnation® Encore Azalea is a heavy bloomer that blankets itself in ruffled, mid-pink flowers in spring, summer, and fall. Those exceptional blooms play beautifully against glossy foliage that’s deep green through the warm months and shifts to a rich purple tone as temperatures cool—giving you four-season interest with almost no effort.
Why you’ll love it
- Powerful rebloom: Prolific, ruffled pink flowers return in waves long after traditional azaleas are finished.
- Four-season foliage: Shiny green leaves turn purple in cool weather for built-in winter color.
- Landscape-ready habit: Dense, upright-mounding form that suits foundations, borders, and containers.
- Easy care: Low pruning needs and dependable performance make it a favorite for busy gardeners.
Looking for a pink rebloomer that doesn’t fade into the background? Autumn Carnation Encore Azalea delivers month after month.
Color & bloom
Expect generous flushes of semi-double to double, ruffled pink blooms in spring with repeat shows through summer and into fall. The floral texture reads beautifully from the curb and rewards close-up viewing on patios and entryways. In Autumn Carnation azalea winter displays, the foliage turns a handsome purple, so the plant remains visually important even when flowers pause.
Size, habit & growth
- Habit: Upright, dense, and well-branched.
- Mature size: Typically 4–5 ft tall by 3–4 ft wide in landscape conditions.
- Autumn Carnation azalea growth rate: Moderate—establishes steadily and fills in without constant pruning.
Where it thrives
- Light: 4–6 hours of direct sun (morning sun with afternoon shade is perfect). In cooler regions, slightly more sun can increase bloom; in hotter climates, protect from harsh late-day rays.
- Soil: Acidic (pH ~5.0–6.0), well-drained, and evenly moist. Amend heavy or alkaline soils with organic matter; consider a soil acidifier where needed.
- Water: Keep consistently moist while establishing; afterwards, deep water during dry spells—especially ahead of bloom cycles.
- Climate notes: Mulch 2–3" to moderate soil temperature and conserve moisture; wind protection helps preserve foliage quality in winter.
Planting & care
- Plant slightly high: Set the root ball 1–2" above grade to avoid soggy roots.
- Backfill & mulch: Use amended native soil; keep mulch a couple of inches away from stems.
- Feed for flowers: In early spring, apply a slow-release, acid-formulating fertilizer for azaleas/rhododendrons. A light top-up after the first bloom can support rebloom.
- Prune with timing: Minimal pruning needed. If shaping is desired, prune right after the spring flush to avoid removing buds for summer/fall flowers.
- Winter prep: Maintain mulch and even moisture going into cold weather to highlight the foliage’s purple tones.
Design ideas
- Front-entry polish: Flank walkways or porches where repeat bloom and winter foliage can be enjoyed up close.
- Mixed borders: Pair with gold or chartreuse evergreens (e.g., false cypress, juniper) to make pink blooms pop.
- Woodland edge: Soften transitions from sun to dappled shade; flowers brighten partially shaded sites.
- Container color: A natural for patio planters—rebloom keeps containers lively across three seasons.
From spring’s ruffled pink to Autumn Carnation azalea winter foliage, it’s an easy, elegant way to keep your garden lively in every season!
