Autumn Debutante® Encore® Azalea

The Autumn Debutante® Encore® Azalea (Azalea x Roblel) is a gorgeous plant that’s known as the only pink azalea that blooms spring through fall. These eye-catching, fragrant blooms make excellent additions to your landscape. The azalea thrives best in USDA growing zones 6-10 and prefers full sun but can also thrive in partial sunlight. They need a minimum of 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Autumn Debutante® azaleas will fully mature to a height/width of about 4 feet making them ideal for smaller spaces.

Choosing a Location: Encore® azaleas can thrive in full to partial sun. In cooler environments, they can take up to 8 hours of direct light. In warmer climates, they will need protection from the hot sun, but still, they need 6 hours of filtered light to bloom properly. Encore® azaleas prefer an acidic, well-draining, moist soil. They perform best with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 and you can purchase a test kit at any garden center to verify the acidity of the soil. If your soil is not well-draining, you can amend it with compost or planting mix which will also help to lower the pH level.

Planting directions (in the ground): Encore® azaleas are compact shrubs and need to be spaced about 2 feet to form a hedge. They can also be used as a centerpiece or a stand-alone shrub.

1) Dig a hole three times as wide and just as deep as the container that the plant is in (the root ball).
2) Remove the plant from the container and loosen the roots with your fingers so that they spread out easily once planted.
3) Backfill the hole with a mixture of your native soil (60%) and compost or garden soil. You can include some coffee grounds while planting to help lower the pH if needed (always test the soil pH before adding anything to adjust).
4) Water lightly as you backfill to remove air pockets and water well when done but do not saturate the soil.
5) Broadcast 2-3 inches of mulch around the planting site to help conserve soil moisture, keep weeds/grasses away, and to protect the roots from fluctuating temperatures.

Planting directions (potted): Since these are compact shrubs, they can be kept in a large container as a patio plant. Gradually move the plant into a larger container by repotting every year or so into a slightly larger container. If the soil feels dense along the edges of the pot, that’s a sign that it may be getting root-bound and will need repotting immediately.

1) Use an acidic soil to fill the bottom of a container that is 2 sizes larger than the container that the plant initially arrived in.
2) Remove the plant from the original container and place it in the center of the new pot.
3) Water the plant thoroughly until the water drains through the bottom. Allow the soil to dry 2-3 inches down before watering again.
4) Place the plant in an area where it gets 4-6 hours of sun, protecting it from hot afternoon sun in warmer climates.

Watering (in ground): During the first year, your Autumn Debutante® will need ample water to get established. During the cooler times of the year, you will only need to water twice a week. Thoroughly water the area making sure that the roots are never in standing water, this can lead to root rot. During the hotter times of the year, they will need to be watered every other day, depending on the weather. Do not allow the roots to be saturated for extended periods of time. Allow the water to seep deeply into the soil to ensure that all of the roots receive water. Encore® azaleas are not considered to be drought-tolerant, so during times of excessive heat, you will need to water even more established plants.

Watering (potted): Water your plant thoroughly until water runs through the drainage holes. Allow the soil to dry to a depth of about 2-3 inches down before watering the plant again. Test moisture by sticking your finger in the soil, If it feels damp, wait another couple of days and check again before watering.

Fertilizing: Azaleas need food in order to bloom for extended periods of time. Fertilize them with a slow-release fertilizer intended for Azaleas. For best results, fertilize in the early spring but be sure to read and follow label instructions as the application will vary by manufacturer. Do not over-fertilize as that can lead to root burn.

Pruning: Encore® azaleas need very little pruning, if you need to prune the plant for the desired shape, do so immediately after the plant has finished its spring flowering. Pruning too late in the season will inhibit future blooms. Once plants are well established, light annual pruning can be done to stimulate growth.

Pest and diseases: Encore® azaleas are very hardy and relatively pest and disease-free. Spider mites can sometimes be an issue for these plants but are easily treated by hosing off the plant and spraying it with insecticidal soap.