Encore® Azalea, renowned for its innovative plant offerings, proudly unveils Autumn Moonstruck™, the latest addition to its collection, featuring stable variegated foliage. Robert ‘Buddy’ Lee, the visionary behind the Encore collection and its breeding, expressed his excitement, saying, “We increasingly see consumers and landscape professionals looking for these kinds of plants, and I think the Autumn Moonstruck™ certainly fits the bill.”
Autumn Moonstruck™ is a result of Lee’s meticulous efforts spanning several years to ensure its color stability, a rare trait in azaleas. The plant boasts gold variegation and semi-double pure white blooms that grace gardens in both spring and fall, akin to the rest of the Encore Azalea collection, known as the world’s best-selling reblooming azaleas. Lee further noted, “In the fall, the blooms on Autumn Moonstruck are particularly heavy. White flowers always fascinate me because they stand out in the landscape – they seem to shout, ‘Here I am!'”
Autumn Moonstruck™, like all Encore Azaleas, thrives with reblooms in spring, summer, and fall and flourishes in full sun to partial shade conditions, best suited for USDA Zones 7a-10b, reaching a mature height of 5′ and width of 4’.
The resurgence of interest in azaleas over the years reflects the adaptability of these evergreen shrubs to diverse conditions. Lee explained, “Today, azalea interest has increased over other types of rhododendrons because azaleas have more adaptability to a wider range of conditions.” He added that the new generation of gardeners is discovering the rewards of cultivating azaleas, especially reblooming varieties like Autumn Moonstruck™, which offer continuous blooms and easy maintenance.
While the name ‘azalea’ may be synonymous with tradition, innovative selections like Autumn Moonstruck™ breathe new life into this classic plant, blending familiarity with excitement.
Lee and the team at Plant Development Services, Inc. have observed a growing preference for plants with a nostalgic element, evoking memories of “grandma’s garden.” He said, “They’re seeking something exciting yet recognizable. Azaleas carry that wonderful sense of comfort and familiarity for so many gardeners, particularly those in the Southeast, but Autumn Moonstruck offers them something new.”
Autumn Moonstruck™ distinguishes itself by offering vibrant color year-round, with crisp white blooms and striking variegated foliage. As part of the Encore Azalea collection, it ensures continuous reblooms, making it an exceptional choice for landscapes. Lee suggests it as a standout specimen plant or a captivating border in gardens that demand something eye-catching.
Anticipating the demand for Autumn Moonstruck™, Lee holds high expectations. “As more and more people grow Autumn Moonstruck and it gets more established in landscapes, it will emerge as a recognizable and highly sought-after variety in the marketplace.” He attributes this to the plant’s uniqueness, which sets it apart in a competitive landscape.
When asked about future developments, Lee disclosed his ongoing work on variegated azalea varieties. He expressed his fondness for variegation and his exploration of incorporating red hues and different variegation patterns. He emphasized the importance of maintaining plant vigor while adding these unique traits, underlining their commitment to producing high-quality plants.
In conclusion, Autumn Moonstruck™ stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of azaleas, blending nostalgia with innovation. Its variegated foliage and continuous blooms are poised to make it a cherished addition to gardens and landscapes, bridging the gap between tradition and novelty in the world of horticulture.