About
Produces clusters of up to 30 aromatic, tubular to funnel-shaped, vivid yellow flowers from green buds, from early to late spring. A deciduous azalea to about 1.8m high, with an upright to spreading habit. Leaves are narrowly elliptic, mid green and covered with tiny white hairs, and turn brilliant red in autumn.
About the genus
Rhododendron can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs or trees, with simple leaves, sometimes with a dense colourful indumentum of hairs on the lower side, and funnel-shaped, bell-shaped or tubular flowers that may be solitary or in short racemes
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitColumnar upright, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesSpecimen planting, large borders, parkland settings.
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 powdery mildews, honey fungus, silver leaf and Phytophthora, as well as more specific Rhododendron diseases