This shrub is semi-evergreen, so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new foliage appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moist, well-drained, humus-rich, acid soil or ericaceous compost
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: April to May, then again in July to September
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  One of the new breed of repeat-flowering azaleas, 'Autumn Fire' can produce a generous flush of rich red trumpets in late spring and early summer, but then flower intermittently again from midsummer to early autumn. The flowers look stunning against the backdrop of deep green foliage, which when the temperatures drop in winter, will often turn purple-bronze in colour.
  
  
• Garden care: Avoid planting too deeply. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of leaf mould around the base of the plant each spring.