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 Twist Azalea

Rhododendron x hybrida 'Conlep'

The Story

Plant Bio

Rhododendrons are broadleaf evergreen or deciduous shrubs in the heath family that prefer acidic, highly organic soils with sharp drainage. Their shallow root systems bear open funnel-shaped blooms held in terminal clusters above smooth, leathery leaves.

'Conlep' is a multi-stemmed evergreen azalea that forms an upright, rounded shrub four to six feet tall with narrow glossy foliage. It produces three-inch purple and white striped flowers in multiple flushes across spring, summer, and fall.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers multi-season reblooming interest with unique, variable purple and white striped flower patterns.

Functions as a dense, evergreen structure plant for year-round garden framing.

Provides nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies, and native pollinators over an extended blooming window.

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

72"

Width

72"

Light

Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Garden origin (North America)

Toxicity

Toxic to humans and pets

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 morning sunlight with afternoon shade protection.
Amend sandy or dense soils with rich organic compost to lower pH and retain moisture without waterlogging.
Dig a shallow hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant so the crown sits slightly raised above the surrounding grade.
Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of pine bark or pine needle mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from direct stem contact.
Water thoroughly at planting and establish a consistent irrigation schedule to keep shallow roots evenly moist.

Pro Tip

Set the top of the root ball one to two inches above soil level when planting to maintain optimal aeration and prevent Phytophthora root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain consistent soil moisture throughout the hot summer months.
Use an acid-formulated fertilizer twice per year in spring and mid-summer.
Protect root structures with a thick organic bark mulch.

Don't

Do not plant in alkaline or heavy, poorly drained clay soil.
Do not cultivate the soil around the base, as this severe root damage.
Do not prune late in the summer, which removes emerging buds for the following season.

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 evergreen borderInformal hedgeWoodland garden understory

Companion Plants

Heuchera Acer palmatum Camellia japonica Hosta Pieris japonica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Autumn Twist Azalea questions

What zones can Autumn Twist Azalea grow in?

Autumn Twist 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.

When does Autumn Twist Azalea bloom?

Autumn Twist 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 Twist Azalea need full sun?

Autumn Twist Azalea does best in part shade.