Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

95 other cultivars

shrub

Autumn Empress Azalea

Rhododendron x hybrida 'Conles'

The Story

Plant Bio

Rhododendron species are woody flowering shrubs in the Ericaceae family, characterized by evergreen foliage and fine, shallow root systems that require acidic, moisture-retentive soils. They produce multi-flowered inflorescences from terminal buds, thriving best in sheltered positions protected from harsh heat and waterlogged conditions.

'Conles' is a compact evergreen azalea growing three to four feet tall that produces semi-double, medium pink blooms in spring with recurring flushes through summer and fall. Its dense, glossy dark green leaves maintain a mounding form through the year and frequently acquire bronze or purplish tones during winter cold.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers semi-double pink flowers that recur across spring, summer, and fall against dark green foliage.

Functions as a dense, manageable evergreen structure suitable for foundation beds and small gardens.

Provides a multi-season nectar source for native pollinators, bees, and hummingbirds.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

42"

Width

36"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Garden origin

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with morning sunlight and afternoon shade, sheltered from drying winds.
Amend native soil with pine bark or leaf compost to lower soil pH to between 5.0 and 5.5 and improve aeration.
Dig a shallow hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the top of the root ball 1 to 2 inches above the soil surface.
Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of pine needle or bark mulch over the root zone, keeping it clear of the main trunk, and water thoroughly.

Pro Tip

Set the root ball slightly above the surrounding soil level to prevent stem rot, and restrict all shape pruning to the immediate window after the initial spring flowering flush.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep a consistent layer of organic pine bark mulch over the shallow root zone to conserve soil moisture.
Water regularly during warm periods so the fibrous surface roots never dry out completely.
Use an acid-forming slow-release fertilizer light on nitrogen in early spring.

Don't

Do not cultivate or dig around the base of the plant, which tears delicate surface roots.
Do not prune in late summer or fall, as this removes next season's developing flower buds.
Do not plant in heavy clay without raised beds, or in soils with an alkaline pH.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Foundation plantingMixed shrub borderLow informal hedgePatio containers

Companion Plants

Heuchera Kalmia latifolia Pieris japonica Acer palmatum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Autumn Empress Azalea questions

What zones can Autumn Empress Azalea grow in?

Autumn Empress Azalea is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Autumn Empress Azalea deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Autumn Empress Azalea, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Autumn Empress Azalea bloom?

Autumn Empress Azalea typically blooms in spring through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Autumn Empress Azalea need full sun?

Autumn Empress Azalea does best in part shade.