Rhododendron luteum (Pontic Azalea)
Pontic Azalea, Yellow Azalea, Honeysuckle Azalea, Late Midseason Azalea, Midseason Azalea
Prized for its sweet fragrance and bold splashes of color in spring, Rhododendron luteum, commonly known as Pontic Azalea, is a striking, bushy, medium-sized deciduous Azalea. Its large floral trusses produce a magnificent display with their 7 to 17, funnel-shaped, bright golden-yellow flowers, up to 2 in. wide (5 cm), with a darker yellow blotch. From late spring to early summer, the air around the flowers is delightfully scented, making this Azalea a valuable addition near a patio and around the home. Equally attractive, the deciduous foliage of oblong to oblanceolate, mid-green leaves turns eye-catching shades of brilliant orange, yellow and red in fall. This upright, spreading and deciduous shrub is native to Eastern Europe (Poland and the Balkans), southern Russia, and the Caucasus and is the parent of many cultivars and hybrids, including many of the famous Ghent Azaleas.
- Grows vigorously up to 4-5 ft. tall and wide (120-150 cm)
- Winner of the Rhododendron of the Year Award of the American Rhododendron Society for the North West region.
- This plant is easily grown in sun to part shade in moist, acidic, humusy, well-drained soils. Tolerates full sun in cool moist sites. 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.
- Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and birds.
- Removing spent flowers promotes new growth.
- All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested.
- Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 6
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 4
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendron - Azalea |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) Fall |
Height | 4' – 5' (120cm – 150cm) |
Spread | 4' – 5' (120cm – 150cm) |
Spacing | 48" – 60" (120cm – 150cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
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 |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons
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.
Requirements
Hardiness | 6
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 4
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Azaleas - Rhododendrons, Rhododendron - Azalea |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) Fall |
Height | 4' – 5' (120cm – 150cm) |
Spread | 4' – 5' (120cm – 150cm) |
Spacing | 48" – 60" (120cm – 150cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
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 |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
Guides with Azaleas - Rhododendrons