Rhododendron luteum

Honeysuckle Azalea
Rhododendron luteum
Type: Deciduous Shrub
Exposure: Sun / Part Shade
Water: Regular

Normally, I try to feature a plant when it’s “doing its thing.” For some things, that could mean when it’s in fruit (such as holly), or when it’s in flower (most things, including rhodos), or sometimes when it’s showing off its autumn colors. I wanted to feature this very early late in the year for the reason that when we see “Rhododendron” we probably think of flowers before leaf color, but clearly this guy is no slouch in the fall foliage department.

Having the distinction of being the only Azalea native to Europe ( Poland and surrounding area), Rhododendron luteum forms an open, bushy shrub that can reach 12ft (3.6m) high and wide over time. Two inch (5cm) wide yellow flowers are tubular and fragrant, with luxuriously long stamens that curl up like eyelashes. Bloom time is mid to late spring, appearing before, or along with, the new leaves.

These leaves are oblong and bright green until autumn when they turn yellow, orange, red and purple. This color can last well into winter; the photos here were taken in mid December. These shrubs work well in an open woodland setting as well as in a shrub border, or in a position near a doorway where its perfume can be enjoyed.

Cheers,

John