Autumn Kiss Encore Azalea

Autumn Kiss Encore Azalea

Autumn Kiss® Encore Azalea is an exceptional new addition to the Encore® Azalea collection, debuting for gardeners in 2026 with a show-stopping display of luminous bicolor blooms that set it apart from traditional azaleas. This reblooming evergreen shrub features semi-double flowers with rich pink edges that fade into softer blush and nearly white centers, giving each blossom depth, dimension, and a watercolor-like appeal that reads beautifully from up close or at a distance. The generous clusters of blooms emerge in heavy waves in spring and return in repeat flushes through summer and fall, extending the season of interest far beyond what many other azaleas deliver.

Designed for repeat performance and adaptability, Autumn Kiss® thrives in a range of landscapes from foundation plantings and mixed shrub borders to cottage gardens and large containers. It’s naturally compact and rounded, with a habit that typically reaches about 3–4 feet tall and equally wide at maturity. It offers a tidy silhouette that stays well-behaved without constant shaping. Its glossy evergreen foliage provides year-round structure and texture, complementing the vibrant seasonal blooms and lending a refined polish to landscape compositions.

Whether planted singly as a focal point or in groups for larger impact, Autumn Kiss® Encore Azalea brings reliable reblooming power and vibrant color to the garden with relatively low maintenance. The attractive bicolor flowers not only provide brilliant visual appeal but also draw pollinators, adding wildlife value to ornamental plantings. Autumn Kiss® is broadly adapted to USDA Zones 6a–10b and performs especially well with morning sun followed by light afternoon shade in the hottest climates, making it a versatile choice for home gardens across many regions.

Care & Maintenance:

Planting: Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball and set the plant slightly above grade to improve drainage and root establishment. Backfill with soil amended with organic matter.
Exposure: Position in full sun to partial sun (4–6 hours direct sun recommended, with morning sun and afternoon shade ideal in hot climates).
Soil: Preferentially acidic (pH ~5.0–6.0), well-drained, and evenly moist soil. Amend dense or alkaline soils with organic matter and consider a soil acidifier if needed.
Watering: Water thoroughly and regularly during the first year to establish roots. Once established, deep water during heat or drought, especially ahead of bloom cycles.
Fertilizing: Feed in early spring with a slow-release, acid-formulating fertilizer designed for azaleas/rhododendrons. An optional light post-bloom feed can support rebloom.
Mulching: Apply a 2–3″ layer of organic mulch around the base to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature, keeping mulch a few inches away from stems.
Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed; if shaping is desired, prune immediately after the spring bloom to avoid cutting off developing buds for summer and fall flowers.
Maintenance: Refresh mulch annually and monitor soil pH and moisture to promote healthy growth and continuous rebloom.

This introduction embodies the best qualities of the Encore® series. It is a blend of eye-catching blooms, repeat flowering, evergreen foliage, and manageable form, giving gardeners a compelling mix of beauty and performance season after season.