Encore® Autumn Twist® Azalea

Name: Encore® Autumn Twist® Azalea
Brand: Encore Azaleas
SKU: 01316E
Price: 56.39 USD
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 4.56 (9 reviews)

Rhododendron ’Conlep’

Encore® Azaleas

Bi-Color Blooms Spring Through Fall: Pinkish-White Petals with Purple Stripes
Thrives in Zones 6-9
Perfect for Privacy Screen or Hedge
Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Hummingbirds
Fast-Growing in Full Sun

$56³⁹

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Plant Size

Product variants

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Evergreen, Compact/Dwarf, Reblooming, Flowering, Attracts pollinators, Container Friendly, Disease resistant, Fast-growing, Drought resistant
Hardiness Zone	4a to 8b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	4-5 ft
Width	3-4 ft
Watering Needs	High
Preferred Soil	Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Fast
Growth Habit	Bushy
Blooms In	Spring, Summer, Fall
Flower Color	Purple, Pink
Foliage Color	Green
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets, Toxic to horses
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Botanical Name	Rhododendron ’Conlep’
Class	Ericales, Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Bi-color flowers and year-round appeal! The joyful Encore® Autumn Twist® Azalea, (Rhododendron 'Conlep' PP12133), is an ornamental flowering broad-leaved evergreen shrub with delightful, two-tone blooms. The blooms begin in spring and continue on through summer and even into fall for an exceptionally long season of re-blooming color.

Your Encore® Autumn Twist® Azalea features a big display of early spring pinkish-white petals with purple striping. Each lovely blossom is about 3 inches across, varying from white to pink, pinkish-purple, and purple. Followed by smaller flushes throughout the remainder of the growing season. The dark green foliage provides an elegant backdrop for the vibrant color of the flowers and will maintain an evergreen presence in your yard through the cold winter months.

It has an upright growth rate with a rounded form. Encore® Azaleas are fast-growing, so you won't have to wait long to see its spectacular results. Hardy throughout USDA growing zones 6 to 9, these easy-to-grow shrubs reach 4-5 feet in height at maturity and spread 3-4 feet wide.

Planting and Application:

Autumn Twist® features year-round foliage that creates privacy and screening all year! Create outdoor garden rooms or private seating areas with rows or strategic groupings of these evergreen shrubs! They, of course, look great mixed with other Encore® Azaleas! Plant a few as a short hedge along a side building, or just one in your front yard for 3-season color that can't be beat!

This broadleaf evergreen also makes a superior hedge and foundation planting, providing four seasons of color. Use several of them to create a friendly fence. Because of the low maintenance, carefree nature of this shrub, this is an ideal plant for mass plantings in either commercial or home landscapes. They are wonderfully mass planted as a backdrop for smaller varieties. Create a solid screen by planting 3 feet apart on center. You'll measure from the center of one to the center of the next.

A single spring specimen lights up the landscape or brightens a tired mixed-shrub border. Autumn Twist® well in containers and large planters for adding height to garden beds, or accenting porches and patios in the dappled sun/shade! Butterflies and Hummingbirds will seek out these trumpet-shaped stars for their nectar.

Pinkish-White Petals & Pinkish Purple Stripe
Repeat Blooming Bi-Color Flowers
Fast Growing Broad-Leaved Evergreen
Wonderful Repeat Blooms Spring Through Fall!
Hedges, Containers, Accents & Anchors, Specimens & Four Season Color

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Handling full sun and partial shade, afternoon shade especially in the hottest of its favored growing zones, Azaleas love a highly-organic, well-drained and moist environment to grow in. Their shallow root systems appreciate light mulching over the soil surface but despise soggy conditions. Autumn Twist® is heat, disease, and drought tolerant so it'll certainly be a tough little shrub that you won't have to fuss over. Only prune flowering broad-leaved evergreen shrubs immediately after the flowers fade to avoid removing next year's spring display!

Full Sun & Partial Shade/Afternoon Shade
Enriched Well-Drained Organic Soil
Regular Moisture & Appreciates Mulched Beds
Heat & Drought Tolerant
Disease Resistant

As Azaleas go, it's hard to beat the Encore® series, and Encore® Autumn Twist® Azalea is one of the best. Hardy and evergreen with a re-blooming display of bi-color flowers, Autumn Twist® is sure to enliven your landscape not just in autumn, but all year round. Order today at Nature Hills Nursery!

Autumn Twist Azalea

Gorgeous Azalea with unusual blooms...some are lavender, some are lavender and white striped and some are a variation on those colors. Quite a "twist" of various colors...all on one bush. I grew this Azalea in my former home and I have been looking for it. So pleased to find it at Nature Hills. Plus the #3 container plant was larger than expected and very healthy. Carefully packed and shipped. I ordered 5 plants and they all arrived in super good shape. I look forward to many years of pleasure from this re-blooming azalea.

Dear Patricia,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Autumn Twist Azalea! We're delighted to hear that the unique, stroller “twist” of colors on your azalea brought back fond memories from your former home and that you were able to find them again with us. It’s fantastic to know that your plants arrived bigger and healthier than you expected and that they were carefully packed — we always aim for each garden-ready plant to reach you in perfect condition.

As these azaleas rebloom, be sure to keep them in part-shade to enhance those lovely colors, and mulch well to maintain consistent soil moisture for optimal flowering season after season. Should you need any tips on care or want further recommendations for companion plants, please don't hesitate to reach out—our team is always here to help your garden thrive.

Thank you again for your trust in Nature Hills and for nurturing such a treasured plant in your garden. Here's to many years of vibrant blooms and gardening joy!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Vigorous

Healthy plants arrived in the middle of a drought, but held on. I was surprised!

Hi Allan,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that your plants arrived healthy and resilient, especially through such tough drought conditions. It’s always rewarding to know that nature’s determination shines through even when the weather challenges us.

If you’d like, we’d be happy to share some tips on drought care — such as mulching to retain soil moisture and scheduling deeper, less frequent watering — to help support your plants as they continue to thrive. Feel free to reach out anytime for personalized advice or resources.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Vigorous

Healthy plants arrived in the middle of a drought, but held on. I was surprised!

Hello Achamberlainob,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're truly delighted to hear that your plants arrived healthy and managed to hold on even during such challenging drought conditions. It’s always inspiring to see plants thrive through tough times, and we're glad we could deliver greenery that stood up to the stress.

To help your plants continue thriving during dry spells, be sure to provide regular deep watering early in the day and consider mulching around the base to retain moisture. If you have any questions or need tips tailored to your specific plants or environment, don't hesitate to reach out — we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Bi-colors

Since we travel a lot, I feel at ease in leaving this plant alone for a week or two without any care. It is a tough plant and provides beautiful blooms all summer long. Just love this easy care shrub, so may order another soon!

Hi Flo,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Encore® Autumn Twist® Azalea! We’re thrilled to hear that this resilient, easy-care shrub fits so well with your busy travel lifestyle while continuing to grace your garden with beautiful blooms all summer long. It’s truly one of those gems that combines beauty and low-maintenance appeal.

If you do decide to order another one, a great tip for enjoying even more vibrant blooms is to give these azaleas a light pruning right after they finish flowering,this will encourage fresh growth and even better blossoms next season. And since you travel, consider applying a slow-release fertilizer designed for shrubs—this can help keep the plant nourished during your time away with minimal upkeep needed.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever have questions about care or if you’re exploring new additions for your garden. Thanks again for choosing NatureHills—we look forward to growing with you!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Bi-colors

Hi Flo,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Encore® Autumn Twist® Azalea! We’re thrilled to hear you find it such a resilient and low-maintenance companion, especially helpful with your busy travel schedule. Its vibrant bi-color blooms truly add charm, and we’re glad it’s brightening your space all season long.

If you decide to bring another home, don’t hesitate to explore our care tips to keep them thriving during your time away — mulching around the base can help retain moisture, and gloomy weather irrigation cubes might also be a useful addition for longer absences.

Thanks again for your lovely review, and happy gardening whenever you’re back!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

fast growing

I have purchased a couple of other Encore azaleas. I hope the Autumn Twist grows as fast as the others. They seem to be quite versatile.

Hi Billie,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with our Encore® Azaleas! We're glad to hear you've enjoyed your previous plants and are excited about the Autumn Twist. This variety is known not only for its beautiful blooms but also for steady, robust growth when given the right conditions—full to partial sun and well-drained, acidic soil. While growth rates can sometimes vary based on climate and care, with proper watering and occasional fertilizing, Autumn Twist can really flourish alongside your other Encore azaleas.

If you ever want more tips or personalized care advice to help your Autumn Twist thrive as quickly and beautifully as your others, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support your gardening success every step of the way!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

fast growing

I have purchased a couple of other Encore azaleas. I hope the Autumn Twist grows as fast as the others. They seem to be quite versatile.

Hello Billie,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with our Encore® Autumn Twist® Azalea! We’re delighted to hear you’ve enjoyed the versatility and growth of your previous Encore azaleas. The Autumn Twist® is known for its robust, consistent growth and vibrant blooms, so with good care, it should thrive beautifully alongside your other plants.

To help your Autumn Twist® reach its full potential, be sure to provide it with well-drained, acidic soil and partial shade—these conditions really support its quick and healthy growth. Additionally, watering regularly during dry spells and applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can give it a little extra boost.

If you ever need specific tips or have questions about your azalea care, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to help your garden flourish!

Right here for your gardening journey,

Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

Evergreen

Having an evergreen plant this time of the year really brightens my front yard.

Hi Dolly,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Encore® Autumn Twist® Azalea! We're delighted to hear that having an evergreen plant brightening your front yard this time of year is bringing you joy. These azaleas truly add such vibrant color and life even when many other plants are resting for the season.

If you’re ever looking for tips on winter care or ideas for companion plants that thrive alongside your azalea throughout the seasons, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always happy to help you keep your garden glowing year-round!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Evergreen

Having an evergreen plant this time of the year really brightens my front yard.

Hello Dolly,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Encore® Autumn Twist® Azalea! We’re delighted to hear that having an evergreen plant is bringing a touch of brightness to your front yard during this season. Azaleas not only add beautiful color but also provide lasting visual interest year-round, especially with their vibrant foliage in cooler months.

To help your Autumn Twist® Azalea continue thriving, we recommend keeping the soil consistently moist but well-drained, and providing some protection from harsh afternoon sun or wind. Mulching around the base can also help retain moisture and keep roots healthy through seasonal changes.

If you ever need tips on fertilizing or ensuring optimal care, don’t hesitate to reach out or explore our Azalea care resources on NatureHills.com.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I plant Encore Autumn Twist Azalea in late summer or early fall?

Yes, you can plant Encore Autumn Twist Azalea in late summer or early fall in zones 6-9. Fall planting gives roots time to establish before winter while still enjoying the continued blooms through fall. Plant 6-8 weeks before your first hard frost for best results.

How much sun does Encore Autumn Twist Azalea need for reblooming?

Encore Autumn Twist Azalea needs partial shade to partial sun for optimal reblooming from spring through fall. Too much direct sun can stress the plant and reduce flowering. Plant in morning sun with afternoon shade for best results in zones 6-9, available at naturehills.com.

What are the watering requirements for newly planted Autumn Twist Azalea?

Newly planted Autumn Twist Azaleas need consistent moisture for the first year while establishing their root system. Water deeply 2-3 times per week, providing about 1 inch weekly through spring and summer. Check soil moisture 2 inches down and water when dry to the touch.

When should I fertilize Encore Autumn Twist Azalea and what kind?

Fertilize your Encore Autumn Twist Azalea in early spring before new growth begins and again after the first flush of blooms fades. Use an acid-loving fertilizer formulated for azaleas and rhododendrons to maintain proper soil pH. Apply according to package directions around the drip line, not against the trunk.

Is the Encore Autumn Twist Azalea evergreen year-round?

Yes, the Encore Autumn Twist Azalea is a broadleaf evergreen that maintains its dark green foliage throughout winter in zones 6-9. This makes it excellent for year-round privacy screening and foundation plantings. Shop at Nature Hills for reliable evergreen coverage in your landscape.

Can I prune Encore Autumn Twist Azalea to control its size?

Yes, you can prune Encore Autumn Twist Azalea to maintain its 4-5 foot mature size. Since it blooms spring through fall, prune lightly right after the main spring flush finishes. Trim no more than one-third of the plant to preserve flower buds for continuous blooming.

Is Autumn Twist Encore Azalea hardy below zone 6, or does it need winter protection?

Autumn Twist Encore Azalea is only hardy in USDA zones 6-9 and won't survive winters below zone 6. In zone 5 and colder areas, it would need significant winter protection or container growing with indoor storage to survive.

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Encore® Autumn Twist® Azalea

Rhododendron ’Conlep’

Planting and Application:

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Shipping Rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I plant Encore Autumn Twist Azalea in late summer or early fall?

How much sun does Encore Autumn Twist Azalea need for reblooming?

What are the watering requirements for newly planted Autumn Twist Azalea?

When should I fertilize Encore Autumn Twist Azalea and what kind?

Is the Encore Autumn Twist Azalea evergreen year-round?

Can I prune Encore Autumn Twist Azalea to control its size?

Is Autumn Twist Encore Azalea hardy below zone 6, or does it need winter protection?

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Encore® Autumn Twist® Azalea

Rhododendron ’Conlep’

Specifications

Description

Planting and Application:

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I plant Encore Autumn Twist Azalea in late summer or early fall?

How much sun does Encore Autumn Twist Azalea need for reblooming?

What are the watering requirements for newly planted Autumn Twist Azalea?

When should I fertilize Encore Autumn Twist Azalea and what kind?

Is the Encore Autumn Twist Azalea evergreen year-round?

Can I prune Encore Autumn Twist Azalea to control its size?

Is Autumn Twist Encore Azalea hardy below zone 6, or does it need winter protection?