pontic azalea
Rhododendron luteum
USDA zones6 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size4 to 5 feet tall4 to 5 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Erect
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Yellow
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Pontic azalea (Rhododendron luteum) is a shrub for borders, specimen planting, and shade gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 6, or down to -10°F (-23°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and average to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. It bears fragrant yellow flowers and grows slowly to about 4 to 5 feet tall and wide. Rabbits tend to nibble other plants first. Butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees visit the blooms.
Pairs well with Japanese forest grass, Hardy geranium, and Ornamental onion.
Native range
Europe and Caucasus.