JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University
Family
Ericaceae
Botanical Name
RHODODENDRON 'Conlec'( AUTUMN ROYALTY™, ENCORE® SERIES) PP10580
Plant Common Name
Autumn Royalty Encore Azalea, Evergreen Azalea, Reblooming Azalea
General Description
The brilliant Autumn Royalty™ azalea, also known as Rhododendron ‘Conlec’, is part of the Encore Series. It is a upright, dense, rounded shrub with single violet-pink flowers that appear in profusion in the spring and then again for a lighter encore in the fall. The Encore Series is a collection of hybrids developed by Robert E. "Buddy" Lee of Independence, Louisiana. They are all hybrids of parents from Kurume and Southern Indica azalea lines.
This rounded evergreen shrub is compact and best-suited to warm, temperate climates. Its leaves are dark green, elliptical to oval and slightly hairy. The large single flowers are tubular and funnel-shaped and violet-pink. Encore azaleas produce full floral displays but rarely become blanketed in blooms the way Kurume hybrids or Southern Indica azaleas do.
Encore azaleas are shallow-rooted and prefer to be planted in organic-rich, moist soils with perfect drainage. Establishment is better if heavy clay and sandy soils are amended with organic matter. Acid soils are best for good plant growth and performance. Mulch well over the root zone to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate temperature extremes. Azaleas grown in partial sun to partial shade perform better. Those grown in partial sun should be shaded from hot midday and afternoon sun, though Encore azaleas will tolerate more sun than most. Lightly prune in spring as needed.
It is easy to design with reblooming azaleas. They are ideal flowering shrubs for partially shaded garden beds and borders, foundation plantings or large containers.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
10 - 2
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USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 9
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Sunset Zone
6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Broadleaf Evergreen
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
4'-5' / 1.2m - 1.5m
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Width
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Cushion/Mound-forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Pink, Violet
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Bark Color
Brown, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Hummingbirds
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Self-Sowing
No
