Evergreen azalea (Rhododendron 'Roblec' ENCORE AUTUMN CARNATION)
The Rhododendron 'Roblec' ENCORE AUTUMN CARNATION Evergreen azalea offers showy pink blooms and reblooming potential across Zones 7-9.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Rhododendron ‘Roblec’ ENCORE AUTUMN CARNATION, commonly known as an Evergreen azalea, is a highly valued hybrid recognized for its capacity to bloom not only in spring but potentially rebloom in late summer and fall, extending its aesthetic appeal. As a dense, upright shrub, it provides consistent year-round texture due to its evergreen foliage. Gardeners prize the Rhododendron ‘Roblec’ ENCORE AUTUMN CARNATION for its dependable structure and attractive pink flowers.
This particular cultivar, ‘Roblec’, is part of the Encore® series, originating from a cross involving Kurume and Southern Indica azalea lines. It typically matures into a robust shrub ranging from 4 to 5 feet tall and wide, making it an excellent mid-sized specimen plant. Successful cultivation relies heavily on mimicking its native conditions by providing acidic, well-drained, humusy soil and protection from intense afternoon sun.
Offering visual impact through its ruffled, semi-double pink flowers, this Evergreen azalea is versatile in the landscape, thriving as part of a hedge or mass planting. Understanding its specific soil acidity requirements (pH 5.0–5.5) is crucial for maximizing the health and reblooming potential of your Rhododendron ‘Roblec’ ENCORE AUTUMN CARNATION.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Ericaceae
- Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 7-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 4-5 ft
- Spread: 4-5 ft
- Bloom Time: April to May
- Bloom Description: Pink
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Planting the Rhododendron ‘Roblec’ ENCORE AUTUMN CARNATION is best achieved in the spring or early fall, ensuring the fibrous, shallow root system is protected. It requires acidic soil, ideally pH 5.0 to 5.5, enriched with organic matter. Locate this Evergreen azalea where it receives dappled sunlight or high open shade; morning sun with afternoon shade is optimal, as intense afternoon heat in warmer climates can scorch the leaves. Crucially, ensure excellent drainage, sometimes necessitating raised beds in heavy clay soils, as this plant absolutely cannot tolerate “wet feet” which leads to root rot.
Ongoing care for this cultivar requires consistency, especially regarding moisture. Keep the soil consistently medium in moisture, ensuring roots never dry out, but avoid saturation. Apply a thick layer of mulch, such as pine needles or wood chips, around the shallow root zone to stabilize soil temperature and retain humidity, but take care not to cultivate near the plant base. Acidify the soil annually using sulfur or iron sulfate if pH levels rise above the preferred range.
Pruning for this Rhododendron ‘Roblec’ ENCORE AUTUMN CARNATION should focus on removing spent flower clusters immediately after the initial spring bloom finishes, which encourages the subsequent reblooms. Due to its susceptibility to juglones, rigorously avoid planting near walnuts or hickories. In colder regions near Zone 7, plant in a protected location to guard against winter bud damage.
Landscape Uses
The versatility of the Evergreen azalea makes Rhododendron ‘Roblec’ ENCORE AUTUMN CARNATION valuable for creating defined structure in varied garden settings. Its dense habit lends itself perfectly to formal or informal hedges, providing a consistent screen or border line throughout the year. Furthermore, it excels when utilized in mass groupings to create swathes of pink color in woodland gardens or shaded borders.
For mixed borders, use this cultivar as a structural anchor, pairing it with plants that appreciate similar acidic soil and part-shade conditions, such as ferns, rhododendrons, or camellias. Its use in foundation plantings is effective, provided adequate space is given for its 5-foot mature spread. Whether used as a specimen shrub nestled against a foundation or woven into a woodland margin, the Rhododendron ‘Roblec’ ENCORE AUTUMN CARNATION brings reliable evergreen texture and reliable periodic color.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Genus name comes from the Greek words rhodo meaning rose and dendron meaning tree. Transferred from the Greek name for Nerium oleander.‘Roblec’, sold under the trade name of ENCORE AUTUMN CARNATION, was found as a seedling in a planned cross between Rhododendron ‘Shroeder’s Pink Perfection’ as the seed parent and Rhododendron oldhamii ‘Fourth of July’ as the pollen parent. It was discovered by Robert Edward Lee in July, 1995 in Independence, Louisiana. There are 30 cultivars in the Encore® series, all of which have the word “autumn” in their trade name. It is an upright, dense and globose shrub that grows 4 to 5 ft. Tall and wide.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
Potential Problems
Rhododendrons and azaleas are susceptible to many insect and disease problems, requiring vigilance in monitoring. Common insect pests include scale, lacebugs, aphids, and mealybugs, while diseases manifest as powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot. A common cultural issue is chlorosis—yellowing leaves—which usually signals iron deficiency caused by soil pH being too high, preventing nutrient uptake.
Maintaining the correct acidic soil pH (5.0–5.5) is the best defense against many problems, particularly nutrient disorders like chlorosis. Ensure superior drainage to prevent root rot, which is fatal to the plant. A healthy Evergreen azalea planted in the right spot, receiving consistent moisture without being waterlogged, will naturally exhibit high resistance to most threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Evergreen azalea suitable for?
This Evergreen azalea, Rhododendron ‘Roblec’ ENCORE AUTUMN CARNATION, is ideally suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 9.
How large does Evergreen azalea grow?
The Rhododendron ‘Roblec’ ENCORE AUTUMN CARNATION typically grows to a height and spread of 4 to 5 feet at maturity.
What sun exposure does Evergreen azalea need?
This plant thrives best in part shade conditions, preferring dappled light or protection from the hot afternoon sun.
When does Evergreen azalea bloom?
The initial bloom period for Rhododendron ‘Roblec’ ENCORE AUTUMN CARNATION is generally April to May, displaying distinct pink flowers, with the possibility of reblooming later in the season.
Conclusion
The Rhododendron ‘Roblec’ ENCORE AUTUMN CARNATION is an exceptional choice for gardeners seeking evergreen structure coupled with extended bloom periods, highlighted by its distinctive pink coloration. This versatile Evergreen azalea works well in borders, massed plantings, or as a low hedge. Before planting, confirm your garden resides within USDA Zones 7-9 and prepare your soil to meet the critical acidic requirements to ensure your shrub thrives.
Companion Planting
Choosing suitable neighbors for Rhododendron ‘Roblec’ ENCORE AUTUMN CARNATION revolves around matching its needs for acidic soil, consistent moisture, and part shade. Acid-loving companions like blueberry bushes, camellias, and hydrangeas (especially those preferring shade) integrate beautifully into the landscape design. Consider incorporating low-growing groundcovers that also enjoy shade, such as Japanese forest grass or various types of heuchera, to suppress weeds near the shallow roots.
When integrating the Evergreen azalea into woodland garden designs, pair it with shade-tolerant perennials that offer contrasting textures. Hostas provide broad, bold foliage when placed strategically, while flowering bulbs like snowdrops and early daffodils can offer contrast before the azalea reaches its peak floral display. Ensure all companions respect the Azalea’s need for well-drained, yet constantly moist, soil structure.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring preparation is vital for setting up the season’s growth and rebloom cycle of the Rhododendron ‘Roblec’ ENCORE AUTUMN CARNATION. After the main flush of spring flowers fades in late May, gently deadhead spent blooms to encourage autumn flowering. Apply a light application of fertilizer formulated specifically for acid-loving plants immediately following flowering, adhering closely to package directions to avoid root burn.
Summer demands attention to consistent watering, especially in hot, dry spells common in Zones 8 and 9. Do not allow the shallow roots of this Evergreen azalea to desiccate. Apply a fresh layer of organic mulch if the previous layer has broken down, maintaining a 2-3 inch depth, but keep mulch away from the immediate base of the shrub to prevent collar rot.
In the fall, focus shifts to site remediation and winter protection preparation. If soil pH testing indicates alkalinity, amend the soil with iron sulfate to lower pH ahead of winter dormancy. For Zone 7 gardeners, providing protection from harsh winter winds or placing the plant near a structure that retains some warmth offers crucial insurance against winter burn affecting the foliage or flower buds of the Rhododendron ‘Roblec’ ENCORE AUTUMN CARNATION.
