Evergreen azalea (Rhododendron 'Conleb' ENCORE AUTUMN EMBERS)
Rhododendron 'Conleb' ENCORE AUTUMN EMBERS is a reblooming Evergreen azalea displaying vibrant orange-red blooms in spring and fall. Zones 6-9.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Rhododendron ‘Conleb’ ENCORE AUTUMN EMBERS, a highly valued Evergreen azalea cultivar, offers gardeners exceptional visual appeal due to its reliable reblooming nature, extending color into the cooler months. This variety is prized for its dense, rounded habit and the striking orange-red color of its semi-double flowers. As a broadleaf evergreen, it provides consistent year-round texture against its dark green foliage.
Discovered as a seedling, Rhododendron ‘Conleb’ ENCORE AUTUMN EMBERS is part of the notable Encore® series, known for its ability to flower both in spring and again in late summer/fall. It thrives best when provided protection from harsh afternoon sun, suiting woodland garden settings perfectly. Successful cultivation depends strongly on providing the specific soil conditions necessary for this type of hybrid azalea.
Gardeners benefit from the year-round structure and the intermittent bursts of color from this Evergreen azalea. While it requires medium maintenance, the reward is a compact, manageable shrub ideal for softening structural elements or serving as a focal point when established in the correct, well-drained, acidic environment.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Ericaceae
- Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-5 ft
- Spread: 3-5 ft
- Bloom Time: April to May
- Bloom Description: Orange-red
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
The establishment of Rhododendron ‘Conleb’ ENCORE AUTUMN EMBERS starts with careful site selection, focusing on acidic, organically rich, humusy soil that is free-draining. These azaleas strongly prefer part shade, ideally situated where they receive sun dappled beneath taller trees or high open shade, although morning sun with afternoon shade is usually well tolerated. Avoid planting near species in the walnut family due to sensitivity to juglone toxins.
Consistent soil moisture is critical; the roots of the Evergreen azalea must never be allowed to dry out, though they strictly dislike “wet feet” which causes root rot. Water requirements are medium, and supplemental watering is crucial during dry spells. Raised beds should be strongly considered, especially in heavy clay soils prevalent in many areas, to ensure excellent drainage.
Maintain an acidic soil pH, targeting a range between 5.0 and 5.5; use sulfur or iron sulfate to lower pH as necessary. Immediately after the main spring bloom subsides, promptly clip off spent flower clusters—a practice that encourages better reblooming later in the season. Protect the shallow, fibrous root system by applying a thick layer of mulch, such as pine needles or wood chips, to retain moisture and moderate soil temperatures.
Landscape Uses
The Rhododendron ‘Conleb’ ENCORE AUTUMN EMBERS is highly versatile, lending itself perfectly to mass plantings where its repeated color can create significant impact. Its compact size, reaching 2 to 5 feet tall, makes it superb for layering within mixed borders or standing alone as a specimen plant. These Evergreen azaleas perform beautifully in woodland gardens, softening shadows and adding evergreen interest beneath deciduous canopies.
Consider using this cultivar for formal or informal shrub borders, where the dense habit provides an excellent backdrop for smaller perennials or groundcovers. They also function effectively in foundation plantings, neatly anchoring the base of structures, provided the location offers the necessary part shade protection. Protection from strong winds is recommended to prevent potential foliage burn during harsh winters.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
The genus Rhododendron encompasses both rhododendrons and azaleas, most of which are evergreen, originating largely from the Northern Hemisphere. Rhododendron ‘Conleb’ ENCORE AUTUMN EMBERS, specifically an Evergreen azalea, distinguishes itself by often reblooming in late summer and fall, unlike many traditional spring bloomers. This dense, rounded hybrid features elliptical, dark green leaves and opens rosebud-like flower buds into semi-double, orange-red flowers approximately 2.5 inches across.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
Potential Problems
Rhododendrons and azaleas are susceptible to various insect pests, including lacebugs, scale, and caterpillars, as well as diseases such as root rot, blight, and leaf spot. The most common cultural issue is chlorosis, where leaves turn yellow, often signaling an iron deficiency due to overly high soil pH. To maintain the health of your Evergreen azalea, ensure strict adherence to acidic soil requirements (pH 5.0-5.5) and maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Proactive monitoring during the growing season helps catch infestations early before they become severe problems for your Rhododendron ‘Conleb’ ENCORE AUTUMN EMBERS.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Evergreen azalea suitable for?
Rhododendron ‘Conleb’ ENCORE AUTUMN EMBERS is generally hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9, performing best in the warmer end of that range.
How large does Rhododendron ‘Conleb’ ENCORE AUTUMN EMBERS grow?
This shrub typically matures between 2 to 5 feet in height and spreads 3 to 5 feet wide, maintaining a dense, rounded shape.
What sun exposure does Evergreen azalea need?
This plant requires part shade; dappled sunlight or high open shade is ideal, and harsh afternoon sun should be avoided, especially in warmer climates.
When does Rhododendron ‘Conleb’ ENCORE AUTUMN EMBERS bloom?
While the primary flush occurs from April to May, this specific Encore® cultivar is noted for its ability to produce subsequent blooms later in the season, offering orange-red color intermittently.
Conclusion
The Rhododendron ‘Conleb’ ENCORE AUTUMN EMBERS provides layered beauty through its evergreen foliage and repeated orange-red flowers, making it a stellar addition to temperate gardens. By respecting its need for acidic, moist, and well-drained culture, you can ensure this Evergreen azalea thrives. Always verify your specific garden environment matches USDA Zones 6-9 before planting this valuable reblooming shrub.
Companion Planting
Selecting companions based on shared cultural needs ensures Rhododendron ‘Conleb’ ENCORE AUTUMN EMBERS remains healthy and fits seamlessly into the landscape design. Pair this azalea with other acid-loving woodland plants such as Japanese maples (Acer palmatum), which offer filtered light and excellent fall color contrast. Ferns, Hosta varieties suited to shade, and woodland phlox are excellent ground-level companions that appreciate similar moisture levels and protection from intense sun.
Design Ideas for Shaded Borders
Utilizing the compact, rounded form of the Evergreen azalea is ideal for creating soft lines in shaded garden borders. In woodland margins, plant groups of three or five Rhododendron ‘Conleb’ ENCORE AUTUMN EMBERS diagonally across the planting area to create natural flow rather than rigid lines. Use lighter colored groundcovers, like white creeping phlox or moss, in the foreground to contrast against the dark leaves and highlight the orange-red spring blooms.
