Evergreen azalea (Rhododendron 'Conlec' AUTUMN ROYALTY)
Rhododendron 'Conlec' AUTUMN ROYALTY is a stunning Evergreen azalea producing purple blooms. Hardy Z6-9, 4-5ft tall, ideal for part shade hedges.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Rhododendron ‘Conlec’ AUTUMN ROYALTY is a prized Evergreen azalea cultivar, known for its reliable purple blooms and dense, evergreen foliage that provides year-round visual interest. This variety, sometimes sold explicitly as AUTUMN ROYALTY, matures into a compact, rounded shrub perfectly suited for defining borders or providing structure in shaded garden areas. As a member of the substantial Rhododendron genus, this plant shares the characteristic need for highly acidic soil conditions necessary for optimal health and flowering. Gardeners appreciate the Evergreen azalea for its adaptability within its preferred climate, offering vibrant color in spring alongside a lesser repeat bloom later in the season, making Rhododendron ‘Conlec’ AUTUMN ROYALTY a versatile addition to temperate landscapes.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Ericaceae
- Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 4-5 ft
- Spread: 3-4 ft
- Bloom Time: April to May
- Bloom Description: Purple
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
The key cultural imperative for Rhododendron ‘Conlec’ AUTUMN ROYALTY involves soil preparation. Best growth occurs in acidic, organically rich, humusy soils that must remain medium in moisture but guarantee excellent drainage. Plant in areas receiving part shade, ideally sun-dappled or high open shade; morning sun followed by afternoon shade is often tolerated well. Good soil drainage is crucial as these plants despise “wet feet,” which can lead directly to root rot; consider using raised beds in heavy clay soils common in many regions.
Provide consistent moisture, as the shallow, fibrous root systems of this Evergreen azalea must never be allowed to dry out, though the soil should never be waterlogged. Mulching with materials like wood chips or pine needles is highly beneficial to retain consistent moisture and stabilize soil temperatures around these sensitive roots. Soil pH should ideally be maintained between 5.0 and 5.5; use sulfur or iron sulfate to lower pH, or limestone to raise it if necessary.
Pruning requirements for Rhododendron ‘Conlec’ AUTUMN ROYALTY are minimal but involve deadheading. Clip off spent flower clusters immediately after bloom concludes to encourage energy redirection toward vegetative growth and potential secondary blooms. When siting, avoid planting near trees in the walnut family, as the toxic juglones produced by their roots are detrimental to most rhododendrons and azaleas. Furthermore, shield plants from strong winds, which can exacerbate leaf scorch, particularly in hotter climates.
Landscape Uses
Rhododendron ‘Conlec’ AUTUMN ROYALTY excels when used formally or informally within layered landscapes. While it performs beautifully as a specimen planted to showcase its dense, rounded form, it is also highly effective when massed together or planted in groups along woodland margins. Its evergreen nature makes it an excellent choice for shrub borders that require year-round structure, and it functions well in foundation plantings where lower light conditions prevail.
Because of its established size—typically reaching 4 to 5 feet tall—this Evergreen azalea is perfectly proportioned for use as an informal hedge, subtly dividing garden spaces while offering a spring display of purple flowers. Companion planting should focus on species that share the need for acidic soil and similar light requirements, such as Japanese maples, ferns, and other acid-loving evergreens like companion rhododendrons.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
The genus Rhododendron encompasses both what are commonly known as rhododendrons and azaleas, with most varieties being evergreen. ‘Conlec’, commonly sold as AUTUMN ROYALTY, is specifically an Evergreen azalea cultivar, featuring large, single, funnel-shaped purple flowers appearing in late April through May. This cultivar maintains matte green foliage year-round, maturing into a dense, rounded form up to 5 feet tall, and may offer a secondary, lighter bloom later in the summer or fall.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
Potential Problems
Rhododendrons and evergreen azaleas are susceptible to a wide spectrum of insect and disease issues. Common pests include aphids, scale, lacebugs, and mites, while diseases frequently encountered are various blights, cankers, and particularly root rot if drainage is insufficient. A key diagnostic issue for growers is chlorosis, where leaves turn yellow, which almost always signals an iron deficiency stemming from high (alkaline) soil pH. Maintaining the cultural requirements—especially the acid pH and excellent drainage—is the best preventative measure against most problems plaguing Rhododendron ‘Conlec’ AUTUMN ROYALTY.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Evergreen azalea suitable for?
Rhododendron ‘Conlec’ AUTUMN ROYALTY is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9.
How large does Rhododendron ‘Conlec’ AUTUMN ROYALTY grow?
This Evergreen azalea typically reaches a height of 4 to 5 feet and spreads between 3 and 4 feet wide at maturity.
What sun exposure does Evergreen azalea need?
This plant performs best in part shade, preferring sun-dappled locations or high open shade.
When does Rhododendron ‘Conlec’ AUTUMN ROYALTY bloom?
It primarily blooms in the mid-season, usually from April to May, displaying attractive purple flowers.
Conclusion
The Rhododendron ‘Conlec’ AUTUMN ROYALTY offers gardeners a reliable source of lush, evergreen structure underlined by beautiful purple spring flowers. Its manageable size and moderate maintenance requirements make this Evergreen azalea an excellent choice for creating structured borders or shaded woodland accents. Before planting, always verify that your soil pH is acidic and ensure ample drainage is present to guarantee long-term success with your Rhododendron ‘Conlec’ AUTUMN ROYALTY.
Companion Planting
When planning a garden for this acid-loving broadleaf evergreen, focus on companions that share similar low-pH needs and thrive in part shade. Excellent partners include other acid-tolerant shrubs like Camellias, or low-growing groundcovers such as creeping Phlox or Hostas, whose bold leaves contrast nicely with the fine texture of the azalea. For height variation beneath taller trees, consider planting with native ferns or shade-loving perennial epimediums, which will not compete aggressively with the shallow, fibrous roots of the Evergreen azalea.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring is the critical time for Rhododendron ‘Conlec’ AUTUMN ROYALTY, involving careful deadheading immediately after the main bloom in April/May to encourage any possible rebloom. As summer progresses, consistent, deep watering is essential to keep the roots moist, especially during dry spells, and supplemental mulch replenishment will help conserve this necessary moisture. In fall and winter, the focus shifts to protection; ensure the plant has adequate moisture before the ground freezes, and if growing near the hardiness zone limits, consider providing windbreaks to prevent winter burn on the evergreen foliage.
