Autumn Royalty Azalea

Autumn Royalty Azalea (Rhododendron 'Autumn Royalty') is a repeat flowering azalea that gives two seasons instead of one. Rich purple blooms open through spring, then a second show arrives in autumn. It settles at about 1.2m tall and wide, so it suits a border, a low hedge or a large pot.

Why you'll love it

• It flowers twice. Spring and again in autumn, so the plant earns its place for months rather than a fortnight.
• Deep purple, not washed out. The blooms hold a rich saturated colour that reads clearly against dark green foliage.
• A manageable 1.2m. Compact and evergreen, so it stays furnished to the base and never outgrows a suburban bed.
• Wide climate range. Frost hardy and humidity tolerant, an unusual combination that works from cool southern gardens to subtropical ones.

Where it works best

Low hedging and mass planting. Plant 1m apart for a low hedge. At that spacing the plants meet within two seasons and give an informal flowering hedge to about 1.2m.

Borders and edging. Along a path or the front of a bed it holds a neat evergreen line and carries colour twice a year.

Pots and containers. A pot 400mm or wider filled with acidic potting mix suits it. Potted azaleas dry out quickly, so be honest about summer watering before committing.

Growing Autumn Royalty Azalea in Australia

Position and climate. Part shade, ideally with morning sun and shelter from hot afternoon sun, which scorches the leaves and shortens the flowers. It suits subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens, and it is frost hardy once established.

Soil. Acidic and free draining, with plenty of compost or aged pine bark. In alkaline soil the leaves yellow between the veins, so lower the pH with sulphur or use an acidic planting mix. Shallow roots mean mulch matters: 50mm to 75mm, kept off the stems.

Water and feed. Keep the soil evenly moist, especially through the first two summers, since shallow roots suffer quickly when dry. Feed an azalea and camellia fertiliser after each flowering.

Pruning. Trim lightly straight after the spring flush to shape it and encourage the autumn display. Avoid pruning late in the season, since you will cut off the buds already forming.

What to expect when it arrives

This azalea is sold as tube stock: young plants usually 10 to 20cm tall, and the economical way to plant a hedge of any length. They take two to three years to reach flowering size and fill their space.

Small plants travel well and establish faster than larger stock, which is the trade off for the wait. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and a minimum order of $300 before delivery, and every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee. Keep new plants evenly watered through their first summer.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Read the full azalea care guide.
• Compare varieties in our azalea range.
• Learn how to lower soil pH for acid loving plants.
• Browse other evergreen shrubs for borders.

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

One metre apart. The plants meet within two seasons at that spacing and hold an informal hedge around 1.2m tall without hard pruning.

Is it safe around cats and dogs?

No. All azaleas are toxic to cats and dogs, and eating even a small amount of leaf can cause vomiting and heart problems. Choose something else if your pet chews plants.

Why are the leaves turning yellow between the veins?

That is iron deficiency, and it usually means the soil is too alkaline for an azalea. Apply chelated iron for a quick fix, then correct the pH with sulphur or an acidic mulch.

Does it really flower twice?

Yes, though the autumn show is normally lighter than the spring one. Trimming straight after the spring flush and feeding gives the best second display.