Autumn Lilac Azalea

Autumn Lilac Azalea (Rhododendron 'Autumn Lilac') is a repeat flowering Encore azalea, which means lilac purple flowers in spring and a second showing from late summer into autumn rather than one short burst. It settles at about 1.2m tall and wide, small enough for a low hedge, a front border or a pot beside the door. Frost hardy and humidity tolerant, it suits a wider slice of the country than most azaleas.

Why you'll love it

• It flowers twice. Encore azaleas bloom in spring, rest, then flower again from late summer through autumn. Two seasons of colour from one shrub.
• A sensible size. About 1.2m by 1.2m, so it fits a courtyard or a front border without an annual wrestle to keep it down.
• Wide climate range. Frost hardy in cool gardens and humidity tolerant in the subtropics, which is unusual in this group.
• Low maintenance. One tidy up straight after the spring flush is the whole pruning job for the year.

Where it works best

Low hedging and borders. Plant 80cm apart for a low informal hedge. The plants knit into a continuous band about a metre high without needing to be cut into a formal box.

Mass planting. The same 80cm spacing across a bed under established trees gives a block of colour twice a year.

Pots and small gardens. A 400mm pot of acidic mix suits it, and container growing holds it closer to a metre. Water potted azaleas properly, because they wilt quickly once the mix dries.

Growing Autumn Lilac Azalea in Australia

Position and climate. Morning sun with afternoon shade is the sweet spot. Full sun works in cool temperate gardens but scorches leaves through a hot inland summer, while deep shade cuts the flowering back badly. It suits warm temperate, subtropical and cool temperate gardens, is frost hardy once established and copes with coastal humidity.

Soil. Acidic, free draining and rich in organic matter. Work compost and aged pine bark through the bed before planting. Azaleas are surface rooted, so plant slightly high and mulch 50mm deep.

Water and feed. Keep the soil evenly moist through the first two summers, then water deeply in dry spells rather than lightly and often. Feed with an azalea and camellia fertiliser after the spring flowering and again in late summer. Yellow leaves with green veins mean the soil pH has drifted too high.

Pruning. Trim straight after the spring flush, before the buds for the second flowering set. Take no more than a third. Prune late and you cut off the autumn display.

What to expect when it arrives

This azalea is grown in tubes: young rooted plants with 100mm to 200mm of top growth, which take two to three seasons to reach hedge size. That is the trade off, patience in exchange for a much lower cost per plant.

Azaleas travel well because the foliage is firm and the root ball is fibrous. A little leaf drop in the first fortnight is normal. Plant into prepared acidic soil, water in, and expect the first real flowering in the season after planting. 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
• Plants for partial shade
• Shrubs for small gardens

Common questions

How far apart should I plant them for a low hedge?

80cm apart. At that spacing the plants meet into a continuous band without competing, and each keeps its own rounded shape.

Does it really flower twice?

Yes. Encore azaleas set a spring flush and a second flush from late summer into autumn. The second showing is lighter, and it depends on pruning early enough in the season.

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 cause vomiting and worse. Keep it away from an animal that chews foliage.