Mid October and 44 degrees sent me out into the landscape in search of camellia blossoms, but instead I was mesmerized by the azalea blossoms. My front yard is about half an acre which requires an adventure with an incline so I often don’t do due diligence not only with the maintenance but also with the photography.

I’m not sure what surprised me the most – was it the huge carnation-like flowers of Bloom-A-Thon Double Pink, or the sheer, exquisite nature of Perfecto Mundo Double Pink and Perfecto Mundo Double Purple? Both Perfecto Mundo varieties appeared to be pure porcelain.

I planted very small plants two years ago, and this year was like their release party. The flowers are smaller than the Bloom-A-Thon, but azalea enthusiasts around the world will also need to have these varieties to bloom again. They will literally offer months of flowering.

I am delighted with my combinations, although I must admit that one was somewhat of an accident. I planted the Perfecto Mundo Double Purple with a lime green anise shrub. The lime green foliage and touching purple in marriage are as striking as ever. My accidental combination happened with Perfecto Mundo Double Pink and Rockin Deep Purple salvia. I just never thought about the flowering sequence, especially since the azalea was small when planted. Right now I love it, but the salvia may need to be moved later.

The Perfecto Mundo series has now grown to six with the addition of the ever-so-exciting Perfecto Mundo Double Dark Pink, Double White, Red and Orange. We are also talking about a flaming orange! Along with being a bit more compact at 3 by 3 feet, the Perfecto Mundo series has another trait that will put them on your must-have list, and that is the insect resistance of the lace.

In the backyard, Bloom-a-Thon Red steals the show. It blooms in the spring, rested and then started again in the summer. I took my first summer photo on July 9 of them blooming with the Autumn Frost hosta. They bloomed everyday as we are now heading towards the end of October. The Bloom-A-Thon series, also from Proven Winners, comes in five colors, purple, white, red, hot pink, and double carnation-like pink that I mentioned earlier.

Bloom-A-Thon azaleas are recommended for zone 7a-9a, while the Perfecto Mundo series has a bit more cold hardiness and is recommended for zone 6b-9. Both should be planted in fertile, well-drained acidic soil. The Garden Guy has a habit of incorporating organic matter into all azalea beds. Add a layer of mulch after planting and again every year. Azalea keeps roots close to the soil surface, and this annual breakdown of mulch and organic matter will maintain a good environment for new roots and help retain moisture.

I have mine in a partially sunny area that changes throughout the day. They have the ability to tolerate some sun. These azaleas do really best in subdued half-sun light, especially in the south. I like them planted in informal twisty sweeps or clusters with odd numbers compared to the formal tin soldier look.

In the backyard, in addition to the variegated hostas, The Garden Guy dreams of having both Bloom-A-Thon and Perfecto Mundo in partnership with hydrangeas. My goal is to one day see the azaleas bloom alongside the iridescent blue mop head hydrangea flowers. It could happen!

So yes, you can have a glorious spring bloom of azaleas and follow it up with an extra long bloom from late summer to fall as well, when you grow Bloom-A-Thon and the new expanded series. Perfecto Mundo of reflective azaleas. Fall is a great time to plant!