Be sure to use a well drained soil medium when planting any Azalea, Rhododendron, Mountain Laurel, or Camellia as they all prefer fall planting with less watering than you might think. In NC our soil is clay so we prefer to use pine bark soil conditioner when planting these varieties.
Autumn Empress® Encore Azalea
Rhododendron ‘Conles’ PP12109
The Autumn Empress® Encore Azalea is a hardy shrub with three seasons of hot pink blooms to brighten your yard or garden. The evergreen leaves help to give winter interest. Considered "intermediate" in size, it is a good choice for around a foundation, topping out at four feet tall and three feet wide. This azalea is heat tolerant, disease resistant, thrives in full sun, and is adaptable to a variety of soils. This variety has leaves of dark green, therefore would stand out well against a background that is of lighter color.