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 Embers Azalea

Rhododendron x hybrida 'Conleb'

The Story

Plant Bio

Rhododendron is a large genus of evergreen and deciduous woody shrubs in the heath family, primarily originating from cool-temperate and montane regions across the Northern Hemisphere. They feature shallow fibrous root systems, strong acidic soil requirements, and terminal clusters of showy, bell-shaped or tubular flowers.

'Conleb' is a compact evergreen azalea featuring dark green pubescent foliage and deep orange-red, semi-double blooms opening from rosebud-like buds. Bred for multi-season flowering, it produces a heavy primary bloom flush in spring followed by recurring flower displays through summer and fall.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers three distinct bloom cycles per year with deep orange-red semi-double flowers against dark evergreen foliage.

Functions well as a compact foundation shrub that maintains dense structural foliage throughout winter.

Provides a multi-season nectar source for foraging bees, butterflies, 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

35"

Width

41"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Cultivated origin (USA)

Toxicity

Toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and horses

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site receiving 4 to 6 hours of direct sun daily, ideally sheltered from hot afternoon light.
Amend native soil with acidic organic matter such as peat moss or leaf compost to achieve a pH between 5.0 and 5.5.
Dig a shallow planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant crown slightly higher than ground level.
Apply a 2-inch layer of pine needle or bark mulch over the root zone, keeping mulch clear of the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant the root ball slightly elevated above the surrounding soil line to ensure drainage around the crown and prevent fatal root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during active summer bloom cycles.
Maintain a protective mulch layer to shelter delicate shallow roots from heat.
Test soil pH regularly to ensure it stays in the acidic 5.0–5.5 range.

Don't

Never plant in heavy, unamended clay or waterlogged areas where drainage is poor.
Do not cultivate or dig around the base of the plant, which damages shallow roots.
Avoid heavy pruning late in the summer, which removes emerging flower buds for the fall bloom.

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 PlantingsMixed Shrub BordersLow Informal HedgesPatio Containers

Companion Plants

Heuchera Fothergilla major Camellia japonica Acer palmatum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Autumn Embers Azalea questions

What zones can Autumn Embers Azalea grow in?

Autumn Embers 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 Embers Azalea deer resistant?

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

When does Autumn Embers Azalea bloom?

Autumn Embers 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 Embers Azalea need full sun?

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