Rhododendron lutescens
yellow rhododendron
An evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub, up to about 4m high, with an upright habit and lance-shaped green leaves that are flushed reddish bronze when young. Early flowering, producing clusters of 3-6 open funnel-shaped, primrose yellow flowers in early to mid spring
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green Red Bronze | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen or Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- SW China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, humus rich, acidic soil, in sun or light shade. Choose a site away from frost pockets and sheltered from strong winds. As this species is early to flower, buds may need protection from frost. Mulch annually, ideally with leaf mould. See rhododendron cultivation for more detailed advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 8 (evergreens)
Pests
May be susceptible to vine weevil, rhododendron and azalea whitefly, rhododendron leafhopper, Pieris lacebug, scale insects, caterpillars and aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, honey fungus, silver leaf and Phytophthora, as well as more specific Rhododendron diseases
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