Evergreen azalea (Rhododendron 'Conlep' AUTUMN TWIST)

Overview

Rhododendron ‘Conlep’ AUTUMN TWIST is a distinct and valuable broadleaf evergreen, commonly categorized as an Evergreen azalea, prized for its multi-seasonal flowering habit. This cultivar stands out because its initial spring bloom is often followed by sporadic rebloom later in the summer and into the fall, extending its visual interest far beyond typical azaleas. It offers a dense, upright structure averaging 4 to 6 feet tall, making it an excellent architectural element in the woodland or shade garden. Gardeners appreciate the unique purple and white striped blooms of Rhododendron ‘Conlep’ AUTUMN TWIST, which provide excellent texture and seasonal color contrast when properly sited in partial shade.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Ericaceae
• Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 7-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 4-6 ft
  • Spread: 4-6 ft
• Bloom Time: April to May
• Bloom Description: Purple and white striped
• Sun Exposure: Part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

The key to success with virtually any azalea, including Rhododendron ‘Conlep’ AUTUMN TWIST, lies in soil composition. These plants must be established in acidic soils, ideally pH 5.0 to 5.5, which are organically rich, humusy, and retain moisture without becoming waterlogged. Plant in spring or fall in locations providing part shade, such as sun-dappled areas or morning sun exposure paired with afternoon shade. Due to their shallow, fibrous root systems, never cultivate deeply near the base of the plant.

Watering requires attention; the soil should remain consistently medium moist, and roots must never be allowed to dry out completely. Apply a thick layer of acidic mulch, such as pine needles or wood chips, to help stabilize soil temperatures and conserve moisture around this Evergreen azalea. If your native soil is clay-heavy, consider planting in raised beds to ensure essential drainage, as poor drainage is a direct precursor to root rot.

Fertilization or pH correction should focus on maintaining acidity; use iron sulfate or sulfur to lower the pH if necessary. Immediately after the main spring bloom concludes, lightly shear off spent flower clusters (deadheading) to tidy the plant and encourage the development of new shoots slated to carry fall buds. Protect Rhododendron ‘Conlep’ AUTUMN TWIST from harsh, drying winds, especially during winter, as foliage can suffer from winter burn in colder parts of its range.

Landscape Uses

Rhododendron ‘Conlep’ AUTUMN TWIST serves brilliantly in numerous landscape roles due to its manageable size and dense habit. It excels when utilized as an informal hedge, providing year-round structure screening low utility areas or defining garden beds. Given its preference for filtered light, mass plantings under taller deciduous trees or along woodland margins create a particularly naturalized effect for these Evergreen azalea specimens.

For mixed borders, pair this hardy azalea with other acid-loving companions such as ferns, hellebores, or shade-tolerant hydrangeas for varied textures throughout the year. While they perform wonderfully in the ground, ensure containers are large enough to accommodate the mature spread of 4 to 6 feet and utilize a specialized, acidic potting mix if growing Rhododendron ‘Conlep’ AUTUMN TWIST in a pot.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Genus name comes from the Greek words rhodo meaning rose and dendron meaning tree. True rhododendrons have 10 stamens in a flower and azaleas have only 5. AUTUMN TWIST is a dense, upright, evergreen azalea that grows to 4-6’ tall and as wide; it is noted for its unique bloom time and habit, offering large, open, funnel-shaped, purple and white striped flowers that appear in spring followed by sporadic summer and fall bloom.

Tolerances

• Rabbit

Potential Problems

Rhododendrons and azaleas are hosts to numerous pests and diseases, underscoring the importance of providing ideal cultural conditions for Rhododendron ‘Conlep’ AUTUMN TWIST. Common insect targets include scale, lacebugs, and aphids, while fungal issues like powdery mildew and various root rots are prevalent, particularly in poorly drained sites. The most common cultural affliction is chlorosis—when leaves turn yellow—which almost always signals the soil pH is too high, leading to iron deficiency. Employing consistent, proper care, especially ensuring correct soil acidity and drainage, is the best preventative measure against these common afflictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Evergreen azalea suitable for?

Rhododendron ‘Conlep’ AUTUMN TWIST is winter hardy in USDA Zones 7 through 9.

How large does Rhododendron ‘Conlep’ AUTUMN TWIST grow?

This Evergreen azalea generally reaches mature heights between 4 and 6 feet, with an equal spread of 4 to 6 feet.

When does Evergreen azalea bloom?

The primary bloom time is April to May, featuring distinctive purple and white striped flowers, with occasional rebloom potential throughout the summer and fall.

What sun exposure does Rhododendron ‘Conlep’ AUTUMN TWIST need?

This variety performs best in part shade, where it receives dappled light or protection from intense afternoon sun.

Conclusion

The combination of year-round evergreen structure and unique, extended blooming makes Rhododendron ‘Conlep’ AUTUMN TWIST a highly rewarding choice for temperate gardens. Ensure you mirror its native preference for acidic, well-drained soil to maximize the stunning purple and white striped flowers offered by this exceptional Evergreen azalea. Before planting, verify that your site falls within Zones 7-9 and confirms suitability for part shade conditions.

Companion Planting

Selecting appropriate neighbors enhances the aesthetic and ecological value of your planting area. Companions for Rhododendron ‘Conlep’ AUTUMN TWIST should share a similar need for acidic, moist, yet well-drained soil and partial shade. Excellent partners include native woodland plants like Helleborus species (Lenten Rose), which bloom early or maintain evergreen texture, and various shade-loving ferns such as Japanese Painted Ferns for contrasting foliage color.

Avoid planting near any member of the walnut family, as the juglones they exude are highly toxic to most azaleas. For subtle ground cover beneath the canopy of Rhododendron ‘Conlep’ AUTUMN TWIST, consider low-growing shade perennials like Vinca minor or shade-tolerant sedges that won’t aggressively compete with its shallow root system.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring (Pre-Bloom): Conduct a soil test to confirm acidity (target 5.0–5.5). Apply a slow-release, acidifying fertilizer formulated for rhododendrons just as new growth begins to emerge, being careful not to let any fertilizer granules touch the foliage or crown. Deadhead spent blooms immediately after flowering ceases to direct energy toward vegetative growth and potential late-season buds.

Summer: Maintain consistent moisture, especially heading into dry periods, as this Evergreen azalea cannot tolerate drying out. Apply a fresh layer of acidic mulch (wood chips, bark) if the previous layer has decomposed, ensuring the mulch stays several inches away from the main stem. Monitor foliage during heat waves for signs of scorching, which indicates the plant may be receiving too much direct, hot sun.

Fall/Winter: Water deeply right up until the ground freezes to ensure the evergreen leaves enter dormancy hydrated. In colder areas of Zone 7, consider wrapping the plant or placing burlap screens on the west/northwest side to shield it from drying winter winds and intense low winter sun exposure, preventing desiccation and leaf burn.