Rhododendron albrechtii (A)

RHS Plant Profile
Albrecht’s azalea

Synonyms

Azalea albrechtii

Shrubs

A vigorous, upright, deciduous species of azalea to around 2.5m in height, sometimes taller, with a lax habit and dark green foliage which turns to yellow in the autumn. Clusters of bright, purplish rose-pink, fragrant flowers with yellowish-green spots open on dark stems, before or at the same time as the leaves appear in late April to early May. Prefers a sunnier location

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Ericaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Harmful 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
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
Horticultural Group
Azaleas can be deciduous or evergreen, with mostly small, frequently fragrant, funnel-shaped flowers in spring or early summer; deciduous azaleas often have good autumn colour
Plant Range
Japan

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained, leafy humus-rich, acid soil in a sunny to partly shady location with shelter from cold winds; see rhododendron cultivation. If growing indoors, place in a cool, light well-ventilated spot out of direct sunlight. See rhododendron cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, layering in autumn or grafting in late summer or late winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

pruning group 8

Pests

May be susceptible to vine weevil, rhododendron leafhopper, pieris lacebug, scale insects, caterpillars and aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to Rhododendron diseases, Powdery mildews, rhododendron petal blight, rhododendron bud blast, silver leaf and honey fungus