Yaku Prince Rhododendron

The Yaku Prince Rhododendron grows into a mounded evergreen shrub, just 1½ feet tall and 3 feet wide after 10 years, ultimately growing to 3 feet tall. The spectacular blooms are carried in large bunches at the ends of every stem, and they are bright red in bud, opening to a beautiful pink with soft purple overtones, wavy edges and red spots inside. Its large leaves are covered in silver hairs when they are new, and they have a unique ‘suede’ underside that is orange-yellow, adding interest. It is the perfect size for edging beds or lining a path, or for a spot in a tiny Japanese courtyard.

• Wonderful blooms are red in bud, opening to glowing pink
• Large leaves have a unique yellow-orange suede underside
• New shoots are covered in silver hairs
• Low mounded shape for smaller spaces
• Extremely winter-hardy

The Yaku Prince Rhododendron is notable for being one of the most winter-hardy varieties available. It will grow and bloom even in zone 4, and it is also reliable and vigorous in all but the hottest zones. Grow it in full sun or with afternoon shade, or in the light dappled shade beneath trees. It grows best in rich, moist, well-drained soil that is acidic, with a pH reading less than 6.5. If you have alkaline soil, grow it in a pot or planter, in potting soil for acid-loving plants. Water regularly as this plant is not drought resistant. It is normally pest and disease free when grown in suitable conditions.