Rhododendron yakushimanum
Yakushima rhododendron
A compact, spreading evergreen shrub with narrow, convex leaves with a buff-felt beneath, and rounded trusses of bell-shaped, pure white flowers, opening from bright pink buds in mid spring. Shortlisted for Chelsea Plant of the Centenary in 2013 for the decade 1943-1952
Synonyms
Rhododendron yakushimanum montanum 'Alpina'Rhododendron metternichii var. yakushimanum
see moreRhododendron degronianum subsp. yakushimanum
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- Plant range
- Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, leafy humus-rich, acid soil. Shallow planting is essential, deep planting will not be tolerated. See rhododendron cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed, semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer, layering in autumn or grafting in late summer or late winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Rock garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
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 various Rhododendron diseases including powdery mildews, rhododendron petal blight, rhododendron bud blast, silver leaf and honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.