Autumn Embers Azalea

Autumn Embers Azalea (Rhododendron x hybrida 'Autumn Embers') is a repeat flowering azalea, so instead of one heavy spring display you get a main spring flush and a second show in autumn. It settles at about 1m tall and 1.2m wide, broader than it is high, which makes it a natural low border or informal hedge. The flowers are semi double, in a deep orange red against dark evergreen foliage.

Why you'll love it

• It flowers twice. A heavy spring flush, then a second display through autumn, with scattered blooms in between in mild gardens.
• Low and spreading. At 1m tall and 1.2m across it fills the front of a bed without constant cutting back.
• Warm colour that carries. Orange red is unusual in azaleas and shows up from the far end of a garden.
• Wide climate range. Bred for warmer gardens, so a humid subtropical summer suits it, and it is frost hardy through cold winters as well.

Where it works best

Low hedging and borders. Plant 80cm apart for a low informal hedge. At that spacing plants knit together within two to three seasons and hold a soft rounded profile rather than a clipped face.

Mass planting. The same 80cm spacing works in a drift under established trees, where filtered light suits it and the autumn flush lifts a bed that is otherwise finished.

Pots and feature planting. A 400mm pot or larger with an acidic mix suits it. Potted azaleas dry out quickly, so be realistic about watering before committing to one beside a front door.

Growing Autumn Embers Azalea in Australia

Position and climate. Filtered light, or morning sun with afternoon shade, is ideal. It grows across cool temperate, warm temperate and subtropical gardens. In hot arid and semi-arid districts it struggles, because dry air and reflected heat burn the foliage.

Soil. Acidic, free draining and rich in organic matter. Azaleas are shallow rooted, so dig compost through the bed, plant slightly high, and mulch 50mm deep with pine bark kept off the stem. On alkaline soils use a pot.

Water and feed. Keep the root zone evenly moist through the first two summers, and never let a potted plant dry right out. Feed with an azalea and camellia fertiliser after the spring flush and again in late summer, which supports the autumn flowering.

Pruning. Very little is needed. Tip prune lightly straight after the spring flush. Avoid cutting in late summer, because that is when the buds for the autumn display are forming.

What to expect when it arrives

Autumn Embers is sold as tube stock: a young plant, small on top, with a root system already well developed for its size. That is the sensible way to plant a border or a drift, because the cost per plant lets you buy the numbers a mass planting needs, and young azaleas establish faster than advanced ones.

Expect a season of root growth before the plant puts on real width, then a reliable display from its second year. 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

• The complete azalea care guide
• Browse the full azalea range
• How to lower soil pH for acid loving plants
• Compare plants for partial shade

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

Space plants 80cm apart for a low informal hedge. Closer spacing does not close the gap any faster and makes it harder to get water and mulch to each root ball.

Is it safe around pets?

No. All azaleas and rhododendrons are toxic to cats, dogs and horses if the leaves or flowers are eaten, and even small amounts can cause serious illness. Plant it out of reach of a chewing pet.

Why are the leaves turning yellow?

Yellow leaves with green veins usually mean the soil is too alkaline for the plant to take up iron. Apply iron chelates, then mulch with pine bark and use an acidic fertiliser.