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Autumn Carnation® Encore® Azalea
Rhododendron 'Roblec"
If you want an azalea that doesn’t quit after spring, Autumn Carnation® is the one I point to—ruffled hot-pink flowers that keep showing up, plus glossy evergreen foliage that turns a rich purple when the weather cools. Give it good drainage, 4–6 hours of sun for the best encore performance, and steady moisture while it settles in, and it’ll make your front bed look “in bloom” far longer than most shrubs can.
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Autumn Carnation® Encore® Azalea For Ruffled Pink Reblooming Color And Purple Winter Foliage
Ruffled Hot-Pink Blooms That Keep Coming Back
Autumn Carnation® Encore® Azalea is a true color workhorse—loaded with ruffled, semi-double blooms that show up in a big spring flush and then return in waves through summer and fall. That “repeat show” is exactly why gardeners love Encore® varieties: your landscape doesn’t peak for two weeks and fade into green. Instead, you get multiple moments of hot-pink color that keep foundation beds, borders, and entry plantings looking fresh deep into the season.
The flower form is a big part of the charm—ruffled petals that feel a little fuller and more decorative than a standard azalea bloom. Use Autumn Carnation where you’ll see it often: near the front walk, along a patio edge, or repeated in a border for a bold ribbon of pink. It’s instant curb appeal in spring, then a welcome encore when many shrubs are simply “green and done.”
Evergreen Structure With Bonus Purple Foliage In Cool Weather
Even when it’s between bloom cycles, Autumn Carnation earns its place with glossy evergreen foliage that gives beds structure year-round. That dense, upright habit reads clean and intentional—especially in foundation plantings where you want shrubs to look neat without constant shearing. You’re not just planting flowers; you’re planting a dependable evergreen framework that holds the design together.
As temperatures cool, the foliage takes on rich purple tones, adding real four-season interest. That means your shrub bed still has personality in fall and winter, when most flowering plants disappear. Pair it with conifers, hollies, or ornamental grasses for contrast, and you’ll get a landscape that looks designed in every season—spring bloom, summer repeat color, autumn depth, and winter structure.
Sun-To-Part-Shade Performance That Rewards Good Placement
Encore® Azaleas are known for handling more sun than traditional azaleas, and Autumn Carnation is a great example. For the best rebloom, aim for roughly 4–6 hours of sun daily—morning sun with some afternoon protection is ideal in hotter areas. That light exposure helps fuel repeat flowering while keeping foliage looking healthy and glossy through summer.
In deeper shade, you’ll usually get fewer repeat blooms, so think “bright part shade” rather than “dark under trees.” Good airflow also matters, especially in humid climates—give the plant room to breathe so foliage dries quickly after rain. When you match sunlight + airflow, Autumn Carnation becomes a low-drama shrub that flowers more often and looks better doing it.
Easy Care Starts With Drainage, Mulch, And Smart Timing
Azaleas love consistent moisture, but they hate wet feet—so drainage is the make-or-break detail. Plant Autumn Carnation in well-drained soil, avoid low spots where water lingers, and improve heavy soils with organic matter for a looser, airier root zone. Add a 2–3 inch mulch layer to keep roots cool and reduce moisture swings (just keep mulch off the stems).
Pruning should be light and timed right. If you want to shape or tidy, do it right after the main spring bloom window—then let the plant set buds for the next rounds of flowers. Avoid heavy or late-season pruning, as it can cut off bloom potential. With good drainage, steady establishment watering, and a gentle post-bloom touch, Autumn Carnation delivers long-season color with surprisingly simple upkeep.
| Hardiness Zone: | 6-10 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 4 to 5 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 3 to 4 Feet |
| Sunlight: | Sun to part shade (best repeat bloom with ~4–6 hours of sun) |
| Bloom Time / Color | Spring with repeat flowering in summer/fall; hot pink, ruffled blooms |
| Pruning Season: | Prune immediately after the spring flowers fade if needed |
| Soil Condition: | Any well-drained soil; best in organic-rich, slightly acidic conditions |
| Water Requirements: | Water well until established; then maintain even moisture (no soggy roots) |
| Wildlife Value | Pollinator-friendly blooms (bees; may attract hummingbirds) |
| Resistance (deer/disease/drought/etc.) | Deer: moderate resistance (not deer-proof); drought: moderate once established with mulch |
| Landscape Uses | Foundation beds, accents, specimen shrub, low hedge, mass plantings, large containers |
How to Care for Autumn Carnation® Encore® Azalea
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Autumn Carnation® Encore® Azalea plant for years to come!
How should I plant Autumn Carnation® Encore® Azalea?
Choose a site with sun to part shade and soil that drains well after rain. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and no deeper, then set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with (or slightly above) the surrounding soil. Backfill with native soil amended with organic matter to improve structure and support the slightly acidic conditions azaleas prefer. Water deeply to settle the soil, then mulch 2–3 inches to keep roots cool and moisture consistent (keep mulch a few inches away from the stems). Avoid low areas where water collects—Encore® azaleas perform best when roots stay evenly moist but never saturated.
How often should I water Autumn Carnation® Encore® Azalea after planting?
Water thoroughly right after planting, then keep the root zone evenly moist during the first several weeks. Check the top inch of soil; if it feels dry, water slowly at the base so moisture reaches the full root zone. In warm weather, that may mean watering a few times per week early on, while cooler weather or rainfall may require less. After the plant begins establishing, shift to deeper watering about once per week, increasing during heat or drought. Mulch helps prevent quick dry-outs and reduces stress, which supports stronger flowering. The goal is consistent moisture with fast drainage—never bone dry, never soggy.
When should I fertilize Autumn Carnation® Encore® Azalea?
Fertilize in early spring as new growth begins using a fertilizer made for azaleas/rhododendrons or a gentle, balanced slow-release option for acid-loving shrubs. Apply around the drip line, keep fertilizer off the stems, and water it in well. Moderate feeding supports healthy foliage and better bud development without pushing weak growth. If you choose to feed again, do it lightly after the main spring bloom window to help the plant recharge for repeat flowering. Avoid late-season fertilizing, which can encourage tender growth at the wrong time. Compost plus refreshed mulch can also provide steady, low-fuss nutrition over time.
When and how should I prune Autumn Carnation® Encore® Azalea?
Prune right after the main spring bloom window ends. Remove any dead or damaged stems first, then do light shaping to keep the plant dense and well-branched. Heavy pruning or pruning late in the season can reduce flowering because it may remove developing buds for the next bloom cycle. Most gardeners won’t need much pruning at all if the plant is spaced correctly and grown in good light. If a mature shrub ever gets woody, renovate gradually over a couple of seasons rather than cutting hard all at once. A gentle post-bloom tidy is usually the perfect approach.
