About
This compact evergreen shrub up to 1m high, with elliptic, leathery dark green leaves. Flowers are produced in flushes two or three times a year, bearing clusters of funnel-shaped, bright yellow flowers. This Vireya group hybrid is frost tender and usually grown under glass in the UK.
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 typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesSpecimen planting, large borders, parkland settings.
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
CultivationGrow under glass in an open, free draining, slightly acidic potting mix, in bright filtered light. Do not overpot, these plants often perform better with slightly restricted roots. Maintain temperatures between 7°C and 24°C. Water thoroughly in the growing season, preferably with rainwater, allowing compost to almost dry between waterings. Feed in spring, using a half-strength liquid solution in two feeds a few weeks apart. Red tinting on the leaves in winter may be a sign of cold, move the plant to a warmer place.
PruningPinch out to maintain compact growth while the plant is young; this may affect flowering in the early stages but will improve it later on. Pruning is not usually required but if necessary, should be done in stages to allow the plant to recover
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings or by layering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, mealybugs, scale insects and vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Powdery mildews, rust diseases and Phytophthora