Rhododendron yakushimanum 'Golden Torch' - Golden Torch Rhododendron

Golden Torch Rhododendron is a dwarf mounded evergreen shrub with thick, matte dark green foliage that has velvety undersides.  The abundant clusters of dusky pink buds open to full sized salmon pink flowers that mature to pale creamy yellow and bloom in late spring.  A very versatile plant that prefers morning or partial sun with rich, well-drained acidic soils. 

MAINTENANCE NEEDS:  A low maintenance plant.  Moderate water needs, properly drained soils is a must to avoid root rot.  Mulch helps to keep roots from drying out. Keep away from drip lines of the walnut family. Acidify soils as needed (PH range of 5 to 6.5) Can use sulfur or iron sulfate to lower ph, and lime or limestone to raise PH. Buds grow on old growth in winter, so if need to prune do so after the spring bloom.  Southern climates with excessive humidity are more prone to powdery mildew, twig blights, and rust.

LANDSCAPE USES:  Mass or Specimen Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Foundation Plantings, Hedges, and Containers.

COMPANION PLANTS: Hydrangea, Astilbe, Bleeding Hearts

IMAGES: Photoset by Leonora Enking, (1) Rhododendron Golden Torch, CC BY-SA 2.0, (2) Rhododendron Golden Torch (1), CC BY-SA 2.0

*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown