Maintenance Landscaping Design

Autumn bonfire azalea is a beautiful shrub that produces stunning blooms in shades of orange, yellow, and red. This plant is perfect for adding a touch of color to your autumn garden. This azalea is easy to care for and is drought tolerant once established.

Also called

• flame azalea
  
• mountain azalea
  
• trailing arbutus
  
• American wisteria
  
• Virginia creeper

Things to Know

• The autumn bonfire azalea is a deciduous shrub that is native to the southeastern United States.
  
• It is a member of the ericaceae family, which includes other shrubs such as rhododendrons and blueberries.
  
• The autumn bonfire azalea blooms in late summer or early fall with clusters of small, tubular flowers that range in color from white to pink to red.
  
• The shrub gets its common name from its habit of setting its flowers ablaze with color in autumn.
  
• The autumn bonfire azalea is a popular landscaping plant because of its ornamental value and its ability to tolerate a range of growing conditions.
  
• However, the shrub can become invasive if not properly managed.
  
• The autumn bonfire azalea is also known as the flame azalea, fire azalea, or summer azalea.
  
• It is a deciduous shrub that grows to 6-10 feet tall and wide.
  
• The leaves are oblong or elliptical in shape and are dark green in color.
  
• The autumn bonfire azalea is hardy in zones 6-

Related plant:
Ceanothus Autumnal Blue

Growing Steps

1. For autumn bonfire azalea, first step is to find a spot in the garden that gets partial to full sun.
   
2. The second step is to dig a hole that is twice the size of the plant’s root ball.
   
3. The third step is to backfill the hole with a mix of half soil and half compost.
   
4. The fourth step is to water the plant well.
   
5. The fifth step is to add a layer of mulch around the plant.
   
6. The sixth step is to fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season.
   
7. The seventh step is to prune the plant in late winter or early spring.
   
8. The eighth step is to deadhead the plant regularly.
   
9. The ninth step is to enjoy the beautiful blooms of the autumn bonfire azalea!
   
10. The tenth and final step is to propagate the plant by taking stem cuttings in late spring or early summer.

Related plant:
Autumn Embers Azalea

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the best time to plant an azalea is in autumn because the soil is still warm from the summer sun and the rains have helped to loosen it up. The roots of the azalea will be able to grow easily into the loose soil, and the plant will be able to establish itself before the cold winter weather sets in.

Light requirement

So, like the other azaleas, the Autumn Bonfire azalea requires full sun to partial sun in order to thrive. It's a good idea to plant this shrub in an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day. In terms of soil, the Autumn Bonfire azalea prefers acidic, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for the autumn bonfire azalea is a temperature that is cool but not freezing. This plant does not like it too hot or too cold. A temperature that is cool but not freezing is perfect for this plant.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%, any higher and the leaves will start to droop. If the leaves droop, they will not be able to photosynthesize properly and the plant will start to die.

The Fertilizer

The fertilizer, this type of plant food, is very important to the health of your azalea. The roots of the plant are the part of the plant that takes in the nutrients from the soil, so it is important to make sure that the roots are healthy and able to take in the nutrients. A good way to ensure that the roots are healthy is to use a root stimulator.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your autumn bonfire azalea healthy and looking its best. Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Cut back stems that are longer than needed. Thinning the azalea's canopy will allow more light and air to reach the plant, promoting healthy growth.

The Propagation

Propagation for autumn bonfire azalea is typically done through rooting stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from new growth and be 4-6 inches long. The cuttings should be placed in moistened perlite or sand and placed under indirect light. After a few weeks, the roots should be well-established and the plant can be transplanted into a pot or into the ground.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the weather conditions during the growing season. The soil temperature, rainfall, and amount of sunlight all play a role in how fast the plant will grow. Under ideal conditions, the autumn bonfire azalea can grow up to 2 feet per year.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are aphids and caterpillars. Both of these pests can be controlled with regular spraying of insecticidal soap or neem oil. If caterpillars are present, they can be removed by hand and destroyed.

Growing Tips

• If you live in a cold climate, it's best to wait until spring to plant your autumn bonfire azalea.
  
• Choose a spot in your garden that gets plenty of sunlight.
  
• Dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball and just as deep.
  
• Gently remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole.
  
• Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down firmly as you go.
  
• Water the plant deeply.
  
• Mulch around the plant to help retain moisture.
  
• Cut back the plant by about one-third its height after it blooms.
  
• Fertilize regularly with a high-quality fertilizer.
  
• Protect the plant from extreme cold in winter by covering it with a burlap sack or wrapping it in bubble wrap.

You May Like

• Autumn Blaze Maple
  
• Gilt Edge Azalea
  
• Greenleaf Mountain Azalea
  
• Salmon pink azalea
  
• Fireball Azalea
  
• Indian Azalea Hybrids
  
• Flame Azalea
  
• Strawberry Azalea
  
• Coral Bells Azalea
  
• Purple Azalea

Source:
Acer saccharum Bonfire™ - Oregon State University
Key Plant, Key Pests: Azalea ( Rhododendron spp.) - University of Florida
Florida Azaleas - UF/IFAS Extension