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Autumn Starburst® Encore® Azalea
Rhododendron 'Robleze' PP32506
I love Autumn Starburst® because it gives you that “designer” bicolor look—coral-pink blooms with bold white edges—on a compact evergreen shrub that doesn’t demand a ton of pruning to stay handsome. Give it morning light, fast-draining soil, and steady moisture, and it’ll reward you with a big spring show and repeat color when other shrubs are taking a break.
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Autumn Starburst® Encore® Azalea With Coral-And-White Reblooming Color And Evergreen Style
Bold Bicolor Blooms That Pop From The Curb And Up Close
Autumn Starburst® Encore® Azalea is the kind of shrub that stops you mid-walk. Each bloom flashes a coral-pink center framed by bold white margins, creating a high-contrast “starburst” look that reads clearly from the street and rewards close-up viewing. The flowers feel fresh and modern, but still classic azalea—lush, colorful, and instantly uplifting in spring when landscapes are craving that first big splash of color.
What makes Autumn Starburst even more satisfying is that the show doesn’t have to end after the spring flush. As an Encore® rebloomer, it’s built to return with additional bloom waves through the warm season into fall when conditions are right. In a foundation bed, along a walkway, or as a bright accent near the entry, this variety delivers that “finished landscaping” look—color plus structure—without needing a large footprint to make a big impact.
Evergreen Foliage That Keeps Beds Polished Year-Round
Even when it’s not in bloom, Autumn Starburst earns its place. The dark green, evergreen foliage provides dependable structure year-round, keeping beds tidy through summer, fall, and winter. That’s a huge value in real landscapes—evergreen azaleas act like living “trim work,” softening foundation lines, anchoring mixed borders, and making seasonal plantings around them look more intentional.
Its naturally compact, rounded habit also makes it easy to design with. It fits nicely at the front of shrub borders, in small-space garden beds, and in mixed plantings where you want evergreen contrast behind perennials. If you love the idea of a shrub that keeps your landscape looking cared-for even in the off-season, this is a strong choice—especially when you pair it with evergreens, conifers, and other four-season performers that make the whole bed feel cohesive.
Reliable Repeat Bloom When You Nail Sun And Drainage
Encore® Azaleas perform best when they get enough light to fuel repeat flowering without getting cooked by harsh afternoon sun. Autumn Starburst is happiest with full sun to partial shade—think filtered morning light or a spot that gets about 4–6 hours of sun, then some protection later in the day. That light balance helps keep foliage healthy while encouraging multiple bloom cycles across the growing season.
Drainage is the other non-negotiable. This azalea wants even moisture, but it must never sit in soggy soil. A slightly acidic, organic-rich planting area with fast drainage is the sweet spot—mulch helps maintain steady moisture, while good soil structure keeps roots breathing. When you meet those conditions, you get a shrub that looks vibrant, blooms more vigorously, and stays more resilient through summer heat and seasonal swings.
Low-Prune Beauty That Stays Compact And Flower-Forward
Autumn Starburst doesn’t need much pruning, and that’s good news—less work, better blooms. Because azaleas set buds for future flowers, timing matters. The safest approach is a light touch immediately after the main spring bloom cycle, just enough to tidy shape or remove stray shoots. Waiting too late can reduce the next round of flowers, so “right after spring” is the habit that protects performance.
If you want a fuller, denser look, focus on the basics: proper spacing, consistent moisture, and an azalea-friendly fertilizer schedule (early spring and/or right after the spring bloom). This keeps growth steady without forcing soft, weak shoots. In beds and containers alike, Autumn Starburst shines when it’s allowed to keep its natural, rounded form—compact, evergreen, and loaded with bicolor blooms when the season turns on.
| Hardiness Zone: | 6-10 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 3 to 4 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 2 to 3 Feet |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to partial shade; filtered morning light is ideal |
| Bloom Time / Color | Spring with repeat blooms into summer/fall; coral-pink with bold white margins |
| Pruning Season: | Immediately after spring flowering, very little pruning needed |
| Soil Condition: | Very well-drained, organic-rich, slightly acidic |
| Water Requirements: | Even moisture; do not let dry out or sit soggy |
| Wildlife Value | Flowers can attract pollinators when blooming |
| Resistance (deer/disease/drought/etc.) | Deer: moderate resistance (not deer-proof); drought: low once stressed; best with steady moisture |
| Landscape Uses | Flower beds, borders, foundation planting, containers, accents, wind buffers |
How to Care for Autumn Starburst® Encore® Azalea
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Autumn Starburst® Encore® Azalea plant for years to come!
How should I plant Autumn Starburst® Encore® Azalea?
Plant Autumn Starburst® Encore® Azalea in full sun to partial shade where it can get morning light or filtered sun and avoid the harshest late-day heat. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and about as deep, then set the plant so the top of the root ball sits slightly above or level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with a blend of native soil and organic materials such as pine bark fines, peat, or compost to improve drainage and maintain the mild acidity azaleas love. Finish by watering deeply to settle the soil, then apply a 2–3-inch layer of mulch to keep roots cool and moisture consistent (keep mulch a few inches off the stems). The biggest success factor is drainage: aim for moist, never soggy soil, and avoid low spots where water lingers after rain.
How often should I water Autumn Starburst® Encore® Azalea after planting?
Water deeply right after planting, then keep the soil evenly moist for the first few weeks while roots establish. A good routine is to check the top inch of soil—if it feels dry, water slowly at the base so moisture reaches the root zone. In warm weather or in sandy soils, that may mean watering a few times per week at first; in cooler weather or heavier soils, it may be less frequent. After the first month, transition to deep watering about once per week, increasing during heat or drought. Mulch helps prevent quick dry-outs, which is important for repeat bloom performance. Avoid overwatering—azaleas dislike “wet feet,” so the goal is steady moisture with fast drainage.
When should I fertilize Autumn Starburst® Encore® Azalea?
Fertilize in early spring as new growth begins, using an azalea/rhododendron fertilizer or a balanced, slow-release option suitable for acid-loving plants. You can also fertilize right after the main spring bloom cycle to support healthy growth that fuels additional bloom waves later in the season. Consistent, moderate feeding is better than heavy feeding—Encore® azaleas respond best when nutrition is steady, not excessive. Avoid fertilizing late in the season. Late feeding can push tender growth at the wrong time, potentially reducing overall performance. If you want the simplest approach, do one spring feeding plus a light post-bloom feeding, then rely on compost and mulch to keep soil biology working for you.
When and how should I prune Autumn Starburst® Encore® Azalea?
Prune immediately after spring flowering, and keep it minimal. Start by removing any dead or damaged branches, then lightly shape only what’s needed to maintain the natural, rounded habit. Pruning later in the season can reduce future blooms because azaleas set buds early. If the plant ever needs size control, do it in small steps over multiple seasons rather than cutting hard all at once. A light post-bloom tidy combined with good spacing, steady moisture, and appropriate fertilizing is usually enough to keep Autumn Starburst compact, dense, and flower-forward.
