Autumn Sunburst®

Radiant and compact, Autumn Sunburst® Encore Azalea is one of the newest standouts in the Encore® lineup—a true bright highlight for modern beds and borders. Its unique coral-pink blooms with crisp, white ruffled edges sparkle against compact, dark green foliage, flowering profusely in spring and returning in generous waves through summer and fall. Right-sized for front-of-bed placement and containers, Autumn Sunburst delivers vivid color with a tidy, easy-care habit.

Why you’ll love it

• Graphic bicolor petals: The coral center and white ruffled margins create a fresh, high-contrast look worthy of the name “sunburst flower.”
• Encore® rebloom: A headline spring show followed by reliable encore performances into autumn.
• Space-smart form: Naturally compact, so it slides neatly into narrow beds, paths, and porch planters.
• Evergreen polish: Dense foliage keeps plantings looking finished all year.

Looking for a small bicolor shrub with big visual pop? Autumn Sunburst Encore Azalea brings crisp pattern and repeat bloom without demanding constant attention.

Color & bloom

Expect blankets of bicolor flowers ~2.5" across, ranging from single to semi-double forms. Each bloom blends a warm coral-pink center with distinct white, ruffled edges, reading boldly from the curb and revealing delicate texture up close. After the spring flush, flowers return in multiple waves as temperatures warm.

Size & habit

• Height: ~3 feet
• Spread: ~3.5 feet
• Form: Compact, mounding, and well-branched—perfect for edging, pathside accents, and container groupings.

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 (target pH 5.0–6.0), well-drained, and evenly moist. Amend dense 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" layer of mulch helps conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature.

Planting & care

1. Plant slightly high: Set the root ball 1–2" above grade to prevent soggy roots.
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 top-up after the first bloom can support rebloom.
4. Prune with timing: Minimal pruning needed. If shaping is desired, prune right after the spring flush so you don’t remove buds for summer/fall flowers.
5. Simple upkeep: Refresh mulch annually, monitor soil pH, and water during extended dry spells to maintain foliage luster and steady bloom.

Design ideas

• Front-entry sparkle: Use Autumn Sunburst in pairs by steps or walkways where the white-edged blooms pop against hardscape.
• Color echo: Repeat coral and white in nearby perennials or seasonal accents for a cohesive façade.
• Container clarity: In porch planters, the compact mound and repeat bloom keep small spaces lively from spring through fall.

Crisp bicolor petals, reliable rebloom, and a compact, evergreen silhouette—Autumn Sunburst proves that small shrubs can deliver major style. Plant it once, and enjoy a season-after-season burst of color that lives up to its name.