Autumn Twist Azalea

Autumn Twist Azalea (Rhododendron 'Autumn Twist') is a repeat flowering azalea, which means colour in spring and again through autumn rather than one short burst and eleven quiet months. It forms a rounded shrub of about 1.2m tall and 1.2m wide, so it fits a border, a bed edge or a large pot without taking over. The blooms are white, boldly striped and flecked purple, and no two flowers are marked quite the same.

Why you'll love it

• It flowers more than once. An Encore type azalea, bred to bloom in spring and again from late summer through autumn, which more than doubles the display of a traditional azalea.
• The flowers are unusual. White petals striped and speckled with purple, varying flower to flower, so it reads as a feature.
• A useful size. At 1.2m by 1.2m it sits comfortably at the front of a border, along a path, or in a pot beside a door.
• Hardy across a wide range. Frost hardy and humidity tolerant, so it works from subtropical gardens through to cool temperate southern ones.

Where it works best

Mass planting and borders. Plant 80cm apart for a dense mass planting. At that spacing the plants merge into a continuous low band within two to three seasons.

Feature planting and pots. A single plant in a bed of dark foliage carries the display alone. Pots suit azaleas, because a container lets you give them the acidic mix they want regardless of your soil.

One caution for pet owners. Azaleas are toxic to cats and dogs if eaten, so keep this one raised or choose a camellia instead.

Growing Autumn Twist Azalea in Australia

Position and climate. Part shade is ideal, with morning sun and protection from hot afternoon sun. Full shade gives fewer flowers, and full inland sun scorches the foliage. It suits subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens.

Soil. Acidic, free draining and rich in organic matter. This is the one thing azaleas are fussy about. If your soil is alkaline or heavy clay, plant into a raised bed or a pot of azalea mix.

Water and feed. The roots are shallow, so it dries out faster than you expect. Water deeply twice a week through the first summer. Avoid lime and fertilisers high in phosphorus.

Pruning. Trim lightly straight after the spring flush. Because this variety flowers again in autumn, avoid pruning from midsummer onward or you cut off the second display.

What to expect when it arrives

Autumn Twist is supplied as tube stock. Tubes are young plants, usually a single stem with a few branches, and for a mass planting they are the sensible buy because azaleas establish readily from small sizes. For a 3m border at 80cm spacing you need four plants.

Tube stock travels well, with little top growth to be knocked about in transit. Plant it into acidic soil or a pot of azalea mix and keep the water up through the first summer. Expect flowering size in the second season and full size in three to four years. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the full azalea range
• How to make your soil more acidic
• Plants that perform well in containers
• Compare other flowering shrubs

Common questions

When does it actually flower?

Twice. There is a main flush in spring, then a second display from late summer through autumn, which is the point of the Encore breeding. The autumn show is often the better of the two.

Is it safe around cats and dogs?

No. All azaleas contain grayanotoxins and are toxic to cats and dogs if eaten, with effects ranging from drooling and vomiting to more serious symptoms. Keep it out of reach if your pet chews foliage.

Why have the leaves gone yellow?

Almost always soil that is too alkaline, which locks up iron. Yellow leaves with green veins are the classic sign. Treat with iron chelate, then correct the pH with an acidifying fertiliser and a pine bark mulch.