About
Rhododendron luteum, the yellow azalea, is a bushy, deciduous shrub to 4 m with oblong, mid-green leaves turning outstanding orange, purple and red in autumn. In late spring and early summer it produces intensely fragrant, bright-yellow, funnel-shaped flowers 5 cm across in generous clusters � one of the most powerfully scented of all garden shrubs. An outstanding plant for a moist, acidic, sheltered garden.
About the genus
Rhododendron, one of the largest and most diverse shrub genera, includes evergreen and deciduous species and hybrids ranging from dwarf alpines to large trees, all preferring moist, well-drained, acidic soil in sheltered positions with dappled shade or full sun.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesSpecimen planting, large borders, parkland settings.
Native toE Europe to Caucasus
FragranceFlower
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, tortoises) Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationThis plant is listed on Schedule 9 of the UK Wildlife & Countryside Act as an invasive non-native species. Although not banned from sale, it is an offence to plant or cause these to grow in the wild IN ENGLAND AND WALES. Gardeners possessing them should undertake measures to control them. See RHS advice on invasive non-native species for further information
PruningMinimal pruning required. Remove dead or damaged growth as needed.
PropagationPlease see cultivation notes
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil, rhododendron and azalea whitefly, rhododendron leafhopper, pieris lacebug, scale insects, caterpillars and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to various Rhododendron diseases including powdery mildews, rhododendron petal blight, rhododendron bud blast, silver leaf and honey fungus