Rhododendron Encore® Autumn Lilac®

Noted for its multi-season flowers, Rhododendron Encore® Autumn Lilac® is a compact evergreen re-blooming Azalea of upright, dense, rounded habit. Blooming in spring for a couple of weeks, then sporadically from midsummer to frost, Autumn Lilac® produces funnel-shaped, brilliant lavender flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), adorned with darker purple freckles. They contrast beautifully with the evergreen foliage of elliptic green leaves. Cold hardy, sun tolerant, and low-maintenance, this repeat bloomer is perfect for containers, shrub borders, small hedges, as accent plants, or planted in mass. Ideal for small gardens.

Encore® Autumn Lilac® belongs to the Encore® Series Azaleas which are all repeat bloomers. The quality and quantity of midsummer to fall bloom depend on the climate, location, and sun/shade balance of the plant.

• Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall and wide (60-90 cm).
• A part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, acidic, humusy, well-drained soils. Tolerates full sun. In fact, 4-6 hours of direct sunlight or high filtered shade will ensure optimal blooming and growth. Plant shallowly. Protect from frost to prevent damage to flowers. Mulch annually with leaf mold to retain moisture, control weeds, and cool the soil.
• Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and birds.
• Removing spent flowers promotes new growth
• Pruning should be done immediately after the spring flowering for maximum bud set. Light pruning of more established plants will stimulate growth and flowering. Prune tall shoots back inside the body of the plant. If you prune later in the year, you will be clipping off the buds that have set for the next bloom cycle.
• All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.