Azalea Encore® Autumn Empress®

Autumn Empress Encore Azalea is a compact mid-sized evergreen azalea shrub with small deep green leaves that turn bronze in winter.  The ruffled semi-double mid pink flowers bloom in mid-spring and continues to rebloom 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:  3’ - 4’ Spread:  2’ - 3’ Spacing:  2’ USDA Hardiness Zone:  6 - 9 Culture:  Full Sun, Part Sun Bloom Color:  Pink 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:  Lily of the Valley, Clethra, Barberry *As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.