Autumn twist encore azalea is a deciduous shrub that is native to Japan. It grows to a height of 6-10 feet and has dark green leaves that turn yellow, orange, and red in the fall. The flowers are white or pink and bloom in the spring.
Related plant:
Ceanothus Autumnal Blue
Related plant:
Autumn Flowering Shrubs
About soil condition, the best time to plant an Autumn Twist Encore Azalea is in early spring when the soil is cool and moist. This shrub prefers slightly acidic soil that is well-drained and rich in organic matter. If your soil is clay-based, consider amending it with organic matter before planting.
Like the other azaleas, the autumn twist encore azalea prefers well-drained, acidic soil and full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate a few hours of direct sun each day, but too much sun can scorch its leaves.
The temperature condition that is ideal for the Autumn Twist Encore Azalea is 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and an acidic soil that is well-drained. The plant will bloom in the spring and summer with white flowers that have a pink tinge. The flowers are followed by purple berries in the fall.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 40-50%. This plant cannot tolerate high humidity levels and will start to show signs of distress, such as wilting leaves and flowers. If the humidity level is too low, the plant will also suffer and may start to drop leaves.
Regarding fertilizer, this kind of plant doesn't need too much. In fact, too much fertilizer can actually harm the plant. A light application of fertilizer in the spring is all that's needed. As for the roots, they are quite tolerant and can even handle some flooding.
Pruning is an important part of keeping your autumn twist encore azalea healthy and looking its best. You should prune your azalea in early spring, before new growth starts. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to remove any dead or damaged branches. Cut back any overgrown branches to encourage new growth.
Propagation of the autumn twist encore azalea is best done through softwood cuttings taken from the tips of new growth in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about four to six inches long and should be taken from healthy, vigorous growth. The cuttings should be placed in a moist, well-drained potting mix and kept out of direct sunlight. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.
Usually, the plant growth rate is considered to be slow to moderate. However, under the proper conditions, some grower reports suggest that this plant can grow quite rapidly. Popularity for this plant has grown in recent years, and it is now considered to be one of the best azaleas for fall color. The leaves of this plant turn yellow, orange, and red in the fall, and the flowers are typically a deep pink.
Common problems for this kind of plant are over watering, lack of sunlight, and pests. Over watering can cause the leaves to turn yellow and the flowers to droop. Lack of sunlight can cause the leaves to turn red. Pests can cause the leaves to turn brown and the flowers to wilt.
Source:
JC Raulston Arboretum - Photographs of Autumn Twist Encore Azalea
Plant of the Week: Encore Azalea - uaex.uada.edu
Encore® azaleas - UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County
