Azalea, Encore® Autumn Lilac® PP# 22762

Encore® Azalea Autumn Lilac® PP#22762

Scientific name: Rhododendron ‘Lilac’

Encore® Azalea Autumn Lilac® is a reblooming evergreen azalea valued for its cool-toned flower color, compact habit, and extended bloom season. Developed within the Encore® series, this cultivar provides repeat flowering and improved sun tolerance, making it well suited for modern landscapes that require consistent color.

Plant description:
Lilac® forms a dense, rounded shrub with uniform branching and a naturally tidy shape. Its controlled growth habit allows it to fit comfortably into smaller garden spaces while still delivering strong visual impact.

Flower description:
Flowers are soft lavender to light lilac with a gentle, refined appearance. A heavy spring bloom is followed by additional bloom cycles in summer and fall, extending seasonal interest well beyond that of traditional azaleas. The cool color pairs well with both warm and neutral landscape tones.

Leaf description:
Foliage is glossy, deep green, and evergreen, providing year-round structure. New growth emerges lighter green before maturing into darker, polished leaves that contrast cleanly with the pastel flowers.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Evergreen.

USDA grow zones:
Zones 7–10.

Mature height and width:
Approximately 3–4 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide.

Landscape uses:
Ideal for foundation plantings, low hedges, mass plantings, mixed shrub borders, and large containers. Its compact size and distinctive flower color make it effective as a focal plant or as a repeating element throughout the landscape.

Native range:
Not native. This is a hybrid cultivar developed from Asian evergreen azalea species.

Sun exposure:
Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Increased sun exposure promotes stronger reblooming and fuller growth.

Water requirements:
Moderate. Performs best in evenly moist, well-drained, acidic soil. Regular watering is important during establishment and extended dry periods.

Pests and problems:
May be affected by azalea lace bugs, spider mites, root rot in poorly drained soils, and nutrient deficiencies when grown in alkaline soils. Proper drainage and soil preparation reduce most issues.

Heat and sun tolerance:
Exhibits good heat tolerance and maintains foliage quality under higher light levels compared to traditional azaleas.

Cold tolerance:
Cold hardy to approximately -10°F once established, with reliable performance across its recommended growing range.

Growing tips:
Plant in acidic soil enriched with organic matter to improve drainage and root development. Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature, keeping mulch away from the stem. Water consistently during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Prune lightly, if needed, immediately after the primary spring bloom to maintain shape without limiting future flower production. Use a fertilizer formulated for azaleas to support healthy foliage and repeat blooming.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.