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 Royalty Azalea

Rhododendron x hybrida 'Conlec'

The Story

Plant Bio

Rhododendron is a large genus of evergreen and deciduous woody shrubs noted for funnel-shaped flowers and strict acidic soil requirements. Plants produce shallow, fibrous root systems that require consistent moisture paired with rapid soil drainage to avoid root decay.

'Conlec' is a reblooming evergreen azalea distinguished by single, rich magenta-purple flowers reaching three and a half inches across from spring through fall. It forms an upright, rounded shrub four to five feet tall with deep green foliage that persists through winter.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces repeat flushes of vivid magenta-purple blossoms against glossy evergreen foliage.

Functions as a structured evergreen foundation plant that maintains year-round foliage density.

Provides consistent nectar for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies from spring through autumn.

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

59"

Width

47"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Cultivated Origin (Bred in USA)

Toxicity

Toxic to humans, dogs, cats, and horses

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site receiving 4 to 6 hours of direct sun daily in rich, organic, acidic soil.
Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and elevated slightly above surrounding soil level.
Backfill with a mix of soil and organic matter, firming gently without compacting the root zone.
Apply a two-inch layer of organic mulch around the plant, keeping it away from the central trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant in shallow mounds above existing grade in heavy soils, and prune lightly only immediately after the spring bloom ends.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain steady soil moisture, especially during heat spikes.
Mulch root zones with pine bark to conserve moisture and keep soil cool.
Fertilize once in spring after flowering with an acid-forming product.

Don't

Do not plant deep in heavy clay or waterlogged soils.
Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood.
Do not fertilize late in summer to protect new growth from frost damage.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Foundation plantingMixed shrub borderLow informal hedgeContainer accent

Companion Plants

Camellia japonica Heuchera americana Hosta plantaginea Pieris japonica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Autumn Royalty Azalea questions

What zones can Autumn Royalty Azalea grow in?

Autumn Royalty Azalea is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Autumn Royalty Azalea deer resistant?

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

When does Autumn Royalty Azalea bloom?

Autumn Royalty 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 Royalty Azalea need full sun?

Autumn Royalty Azalea does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.