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 Kiss Azalea

Rhododendron x hybrida 'Autumn Kiss'

$89.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Rhododendron hybrids in the azalea group are evergreen or semi-evergreen woody shrubs that require acidic, well-draining soils rich in organic matter. Their fine, shallow fibrous root systems are intolerant of standing water and dry out rapidly if left unmulched.

'Autumn Kiss' is a compact, repeat-blooming shrub reaching three to four feet in height with a dense, rounded habit and glossy green foliage. It bears ruffled, semi-double blooms measuring three inches across with bright pink margins that soften to pastel pink and white centers throughout spring, summer, and fall.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces colorful semi-double bicolor blossoms across multiple seasons on a compact evergreen frame.

Serves as a structural, low-maintenance foundation shrub in acidic soils.

Provides consistent nectar resources for native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds 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

48"

Width

48"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

United States (Horticultural origin)

Toxicity

Toxic to humans, dogs, cats, and horses if ingested

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$89.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade receiving four to six hours of direct sunlight daily for maximum flower production.
Amend the planting area with organic matter such as composted pine bark or peat moss to lower soil pH into the 4.5 to 6.0 acidic range.
Dig a shallow hole twice as wide as the root ball and position the crown slightly elevated above the surrounding soil level to prevent stem rot.
Backfill with soil, firm gently without compacting, and apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch keeping it away from the central trunk.
Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent soil moisture, providing around an inch of water weekly during dry periods.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after the initial spring flowering flush; trimming in late summer or fall removes newly set buds required for the next bloom cycle.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep soil consistently moist but free of standing water.
Maintain a thick layer of pine bark mulch around the root zone to cool shallow roots.
Ensure soil remains strongly acidic between 4.5 and 6.0 pH.

Don't

Do not plant the root crown deeper than the surrounding soil surface.
Do not use high-phosphorus chemical fertilizers that damage fine roots.
Do not prune hard late in the growing season after current-year buds have set.

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 PlantingMass PlantingLow Evergreen HedgeMixed Border AccentPatio Containers

Companion Plants

Heuchera Pieris japonica Hosta Camellia japonica Acer palmatum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Autumn Kiss Azalea questions

What zones can Autumn Kiss Azalea grow in?

Autumn Kiss 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 Kiss Azalea deer resistant?

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

When does Autumn Kiss Azalea bloom?

Autumn Kiss 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 Kiss Azalea need full sun?

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