Autumn Angel

Description: Autumn Angel Azalea (Rhododendron ‘Robleg’) is an evergreen shrub known for its pristine white, semi-double flowers and glossy, dark green foliage. This repeat-blooming azalea flowers profusely in spring, with additional blooms in summer and fall, providing a long-lasting display of pure white flowers. Autumn Angel typically grows to a height and spread of 3-4 feet, making it an excellent choice for garden beds, borders, and foundation plantings.

Growth Habit: Autumn Angel has a compact, mounding growth habit with dense, dark green leaves that provide an attractive backdrop for the bright white flowers. Its moderate growth rate and manageable size make it ideal for adding elegance and structure to various garden settings.

Light Requirements: Autumn Angel thrives in partial shade to full sun. It performs best with morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, to prevent leaf scorch and promote healthy growth.

Watering Needs: Regular watering is essential, especially during the establishment period. Autumn Angel prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil but should not be waterlogged. Mulching around the base can help retain soil moisture and keep roots cool.

Soil Preferences: Autumn Angel prefers well-drained, acidic soil rich in organic matter. It thrives in soils with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0. Amending the soil with peat moss, compost, or pine bark can improve soil structure and acidity, providing optimal conditions for azaleas.

Temperature Tolerance: Autumn Angel is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 6-9. It thrives in warm climates and can tolerate mild frost. In colder regions, some winter protection may be necessary to prevent damage from extreme cold.

Uses: Ideal for adding a touch of elegance to garden beds, borders, and foundation plantings, Autumn Angel is also perfect for use in mass plantings, as a low hedge, or in mixed shrub borders. Its long blooming period and bright white flowers make it a versatile choice for both formal and informal garden designs.

Additional Notes: Autumn Angel requires minimal maintenance. Pruning can be done after the first bloom cycle to maintain shape and encourage more blooms. It benefits from regular feeding with a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants in early spring and after the first bloom. Autumn Angel is generally pest-resistant but can be susceptible to lace bugs and spider mites if not properly maintained. Regular monitoring and appropriate treatments can help keep the plants healthy.