Meet Autumn Fire®
Small in size, huge in impact, Autumn Fire® Encore Azalea is a compact powerhouse that blazes with rich, true red, semi-double blooms. The velvety petals glow against glossy, dark green foliage that deepens to a saturated purple-bronze in winter, delivering showstopping color across all four seasons. If you’re seeking a bold, space-savvy shrub for beds, borders, or containers, Autumn Fire brings the heat—again and again.
Why you’ll love it
- ["Dwarf"] dynamo: Perfect for tight beds, front-of-border accents, and patio containers.
- True-red saturation: Semidouble blooms read clearly from the curb and feel lush up close.
- Encore® rebloom: Big spring show with repeat flushes through summer and into fall.
- Year-round appeal: Evergreen foliage turns purple-bronze in cold weather for winter color.
Searching for a compact red rebloomer? Autumn Fire Encore Azalea delivers vivid flowers, a tidy habit, and dependable performance.
Color & bloom
Expect a generous spring flush of semidouble red blooms ~2.5" across, followed by encore performances in warm weather. The velvety texture adds depth to the color, while the dark foliage creates dramatic contrast. In winter, leaves shift to a saturated purple-bronze, keeping interest high even between bloom cycles.
Size & habit
- Height: ~2.5'
- Spread: ~3'
- Form: Dense, rounded, and well-branched—ideal for low hedging, edging, and container groupings.
Where it thrives
- Light: 4–6 hours of direct sun; morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal, especially in hotter climates or reflective sites.
- Soil: Acidic (target pH 5.0–6.0), well-drained, and evenly moist. Amend heavy or alkaline soils with organic matter; consider a soil acidifier as needed.
- Water: Keep consistently moist while establishing; deep water during heat or drought, particularly ahead of bloom cycles.
- Climate: Broadly adaptable; apply 2–3" of mulch to conserve moisture and moderate 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 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 to preserve buds for summer/fall flowers.
- Winter prep: Maintain even moisture heading into cold weather to enhance foliage’s purple-bronze tones.
Design ideas
- Front-entry pop: Flank steps or walkways with paired Autumn Fire for instant curb appeal.
- Low hedge, high impact: Repeat along borders for a ribbon of red during bloom and polished structure year-round.
- Container color: Use in porch pots or patio planters; the compact size and rebloom keep containers lively for months.
- Contrast combos: Pair with gold or chartreuse evergreens to make red blooms sing; weave between blue-green conifers for a modern palette.
When you plant Autumn Fire, you get a compact, crimson-blooming standout with four-season interest—proof that big garden drama can come in a small, easy-care package!
