Autumn Fire™ Encore Azalea

Autumn Fire Encore Azalea (Azalea x hybrida 'Autumn Fire') is a dwarf azalea that covers itself in rich red, semi double flowers in autumn and spring, with regular flowering through summer. It stays low and compact at about 80cm high and 95cm wide, and butterflies visit the blooms. It is part of the Ozbreed Encore azalea range.

Why you'll love it

• Rich red, semi double flowers. The red is deep and saturated, and the extra petals make each bloom look full.
• Heavy flowering twice a year. Autumn and spring are the big flushes, with regular flowers in summer between them.
• Dwarf and compact. At 80cm high it fits the front of a border and does not block a window or a view.
• Colour in the leaves too. The glossy dark green foliage turns purple and bronze in winter.
• Visited by butterflies. The flowers draw them in, and the plant tolerates both heat and frost.

Where it works best

Borders and mass planting. Plant 70cm apart for a continuous band, about two plants per square metre. The mounds are 95cm wide, so they overlap and join within two seasons.

Specimen planting. One plant beside a path gives a compact red dome that stays in scale with a small entry.

Butterfly gardens. Group three or four among other nectar plants and the red flowers become a regular stopping point.

Growing Autumn Fire Encore Azalea in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. Ozbreed lists it for Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia, which takes in subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens. It tolerates frost. In very hot, dry gardens give it some afternoon shade.

Soil. Well drained soil is the one firm requirement. Plant with the root ball slightly above soil level, under a chunky mulch, and keep it out of low spots where water collects.

Water and feed. Water well through the first year. The plant tolerates moderate drought and becomes more drought tolerant with age, but the shallow roots still like a drink in a long dry spell. Use a slow release fertiliser in spring if it needs one.

Pruning. Prune after the spring flowering, and only as much as you need to hold the dwarf shape.

What to expect when it arrives

Autumn Fire Encore Azalea is sold as tube stock and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes are the budget way to build a low border, and the packs of 10 give a fuller start. Stock comes from Ozbreed's licensed growers and availability varies, so a size shows as sold out when no grower has it. The notify button on the page emails you the day it is back. Plants travel upright and settle quickly in mild weather, with new growth within four to six weeks of an autumn or spring 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

• Azalea planting and care guide
• Browse our azalea collection
• Explore the full Ozbreed range
• More bee and butterfly friendly plants

Common questions

Does it attract butterflies?

Yes. Ozbreed lists butterflies among the visitors to the red flowers, so plant it in a sunny spot where you can watch them.

How big does it get?

About 80cm high and 95cm wide, which makes it a dwarf azalea. It stays compact with little more than a prune after spring flowering.

Is it safe around pets?

No. Like all azaleas it is poisonous if eaten, so plant it away from dogs, cats and livestock.