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Rhododendron ‘Golden Lights’

Golden Lights' Rhododendron, 'Golden Lights' Azalea, Late Midseason Azalea, Deciduous Azalea

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Rhododendron 'Golden Lights','Golden Lights' Rhododendron, 'Golden Lights' Azalea, Late Midseason Azalea, Deciduous Azalea, Orange Azalea, Orange Rhododendron, Orange Flowering Shrub
Rhododendron 'Golden Lights','Golden Lights' Rhododendron, 'Golden Lights' Azalea, Late Midseason Azalea, Deciduous Azalea, Orange Azalea, Orange Rhododendron, Orange Flowering Shrub

Fragrant and exceptionally cold-hardy, Rhododendron ‘Golden Lights’ is a compact, deciduous Azalea that belongs to the Northern Lights Hybrid Series developed by the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Any Azalea included in this series has flower bud hardiness of -30°F (-34°C) to -45°F (-42°C) to withstand Minnesota winters. Opening from red-orange buds in late spring to early summer, before the leaves unfurl, ‘Golden Lights’ bears abundant flat trusses of 10 luminous, funnel-shaped, golden, or butter-yellow flowers with lovely salmon-pink to orange highlights. Each bloom in the truss is less than 2 in. (5 cm), but they are so profuse that the trusses look enormous. The foliage of narrow, olive green leaves has the added advantage of greater resistance to mildew than some other hybrid azalea cultivars. A very reliable performer, this flamboyant Azalea features a nice mounded habit and looks terrific in shrub borders.

  • Grows with a compact, rounded habit, up to 3-6 ft. tall and wide (90-160 cm).
  • Winner of the Rhododendron of the Year Award of the American Rhododendron Society for the Great Lakes and South Central regions.
  • A sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, acidic, humusywell-drained soils. Will do well in considerable sun, but has a preference for bright shade, filtered sunlight, or morning sun, and can even do fairly well in somewhat deeper shade. Full afternoon sun could result in bleached leaves and shortened blooming period. Plant shallowly in a location protected from strong winter winds. Protect from frost to prevent damage to flowers. Mulch annually with leaf mold to retain moisture, control weeds, and cool the soil.
  • Perfect for shrub borders or mixed borders, as a flowering hedge or privacy screen, foundation plantings, and shade gardens. Great for small gardens too!
  • Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and birds.
  • Removing spent flowers promotes new growth.
  • All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

Rhododendron and Azalea: How To Grow And Care with Success


Want to learn how to grow and care for rhododendron and azalea flowers like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy their beauty

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 7
Heat Zones 1 - 7
Climate Zones 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, A2, A3
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Ericaceae
Genus Rhododendron
Common names Rhododendron
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 3' - 6'
(90cm - 180cm)
Spread 3' - 6'
(90cm - 180cm)
Spacing 36" - 72"
(90cm - 180cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Rhododendron Autumn Royalty
Rhododendron macrophyllum (Pacific Rhododendron)
Rhododendron alabamense (Alabama Azalea)
Rhododendron periclymenoides (Pinxterbloom Azalea)
Rhododendron catawbiense (Catawba Rosebay)
Rhododendron maximum (Great Laurel)

Recommended Companion Plants

Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel)
Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ (Siberian Bugloss)
Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich Fern)
Anemone nemorosa (Wood Anemone)
Hosta (Plantain Lily)
Hamamelis (Witch Hazel)

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Beautiful Azaleas and Rhododendrons for the Midwest
Beautiful Azaleas and Rhododendrons for the Pacific Northwest Region
Beautiful Azaleas and Rhododendrons for New England
Beautiful Azaleas and Rhododendrons for the Mid-Atlantic Region
Azaleas and Rhododendrons for Small Gardens
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Azaleas and Rhododendrons with Attractive Fall Colors
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Hardiest Azaleas and Rhododendrons
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Best Companion Plants for Azaleas and Rhododendrons
Azaleas and Rhododendrons: What is the Difference?
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 7
Heat Zones 1 - 7
Climate Zones 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, A2, A3
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Ericaceae
Genus Rhododendron
Common names Rhododendron
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 3' - 6'
(90cm - 180cm)
Spread 3' - 6'
(90cm - 180cm)
Spacing 36" - 72"
(90cm - 180cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Rhododendron
Guides with
Rhododendron
Not sure which Rhododendron to pick?
Compare Now

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