Azalea Encore® Autumn Fire®

Autumn Fire Encore Azalea is a compact dwarf evergreen azalea shrub with small dark green leaves that gain a bronze-purple hue in winter.  Dense clusters of velvety semi-double deep red flowers bloom in mid-spring and reblooms into fall.  A very versatile plant that prefers partial sun with acidic rich, well-drained soils.  Azaleas are excellent pollination and butterfly attractors. Type:  Shrub Height:  2’ - 2.5’ Spread:  3’ - 4’ Spacing:  3’ USDA Hardiness Zone:  7 - 10 Culture:  Full Sun, Part Sun Bloom Color:  Red Season of Interest:  Spring, Summer, Fall, Year-Round MAINTENANCE NEEDS:  A low maintenance plant.  Moderate water needs, properly drained soils is a must to avoid root rot.  Mulch helps to keep roots from drying out. Keep away from drip lines of the walnut family. Acidify soils as needed (PH range of 5 to 6.5) Can use sulfur or iron sulfate to lower ph, and lime or limestone to raise PH. Southern climates with excessive humidity are more prone to powdery mildew, twig blights, and rust.  LANDSCAPE USES:  Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Wildlife Gardens, Naturalized Areas, Foundational Plantings, Hedges, and Containers. COMPANION PLANTS: Lonicera, Magnolia, Azalea *As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown