Azalea, Encore® Autumn Twist® PP# 12133

Plant name: Azalea Encore® Autumn Twist® PP#12133

Scientific name: Rhododendron hybrid ‘Conlep’

Plant description: Azalea Encore® Autumn Twist® is a reblooming evergreen azalea known for its upright, rounded growth habit and strong seasonal performance. This cultivar develops a dense framework of branching stems that hold their shape with minimal pruning, making it a reliable choice for long-term landscape structure. Its repeat blooming cycle provides extended ornamental value beyond traditional spring-only azaleas, making it suitable for foundation plantings, mixed shrub borders, and container displays.

Flower description: Flowers are white with bold pink striping and occasional solid pink sectors, creating a variegated, pinwheel-like appearance that adds movement and contrast to garden spaces. Medium-sized blooms appear in clusters, beginning with a heavy spring flush followed by intermittent flowering through the warmer months. The unique color pattern gives each bloom a slightly different look, enhancing visual interest at close range.

Leaf description: Foliage is composed of small, elliptical leaves with a smooth texture and deep green coloration. The evergreen leaves form a dense canopy that provides year-round structure. New growth may emerge with a slight bronze tint before maturing to glossy green.

Deciduous or evergreen: Evergreen

USDA grow zones: 6 through 10

Mature height and width: Typically reaches 4 to 5 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide, forming a slightly upright, mounded silhouette.

Landscape uses: Suitable for flowering hedges, foundation plantings, accent shrubs, mass plantings, and large patio containers. The patterned blooms add contrast to mixed shrub borders and complement woodland-style gardens as well as structured landscape designs.

Native range: Hybrid developed from azalea species native to woodland regions of Asia and North America.

Sun exposure: Performs best in partial shade or filtered sunlight. Established plants can tolerate several hours of direct sun when soil moisture remains consistent and roots are kept cool with mulch.

Water requirements: Requires evenly moist, well-drained, acidic soil enriched with organic matter. Regular watering supports repeat blooming, while proper drainage helps prevent root stress.

Pests and problems: Lace bugs, spider mites, and scale insects may appear during periods of environmental stress. Root rot can develop in poorly drained soils, and petal blight may occur during extended damp conditions. Proper spacing and consistent cultural care help minimize issues.

Heat and sun tolerance:Cold tolerance: Shows improved tolerance to heat and sun compared to many traditional azaleas when planted in suitable soil and maintained with steady moisture. Cold hardy within its recommended growing zones, with foliage that may bronze temporarily after severe freezes before recovering in spring.

Growing tips: Plant at the same depth as the nursery container and use an acidic soil mix with excellent drainage. Apply a layer of organic mulch to conserve moisture and stabilize root temperatures. Fertilize with an acid-forming fertilizer after the spring bloom cycle to encourage additional flowering. Light pruning immediately after a bloom flush helps maintain shape and supports future bud formation while preserving the plant’s natural structure.

---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.