Autumn Twist is one of the taller, faster-growing Encore azaleas, reaching 4 to 5 feet, with big white blooms streaked and flecked purple; now and then a branch throws solid purple flowers for good measure. Like all Encores it blooms in spring, again through summer, and once more in fall.

Encores take more sun than old-fashioned azaleas; four to six hours with some afternoon relief suits Birmingham. Plant in acidic, well-drained soil, mulch with pine straw, and water the first two summers. Prune right after the spring flush so you keep the later rounds of bloom.