Golden Torch Rhododendron

Golden Torch Rhododendron

rhododendron yakushimanum

One of the most celebrated Rhododendrons ever grown, 'Golden Torch' has been heaped with honors ever since its 1971 introduction, including England's prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticulture Society in 1993. It continues to reign as a favorite in gardens from north to south, thanks to its sun tolerance, absolutely beautiful color changes, and compact, densely-flowered habit. 'Golden Torch' regales you with clusters of salmon-pink buds in spring on well-branched, low-growing shrubs just 3 to 5 feet high. The buds open to reveal blooms that are initially pale pink, then quickly turn to a buttery yellow. The petals continue to alter their hue as they mature, eventually becoming creamy and even ivory over their month-long life.The flowers appear in clusters about 5 inches in diameter, quite large given the compact size of this shrub. Expect them to reach their glory in late spring in most climates. All we can say is:It is an unforgettable show.'Golden Torch' is a Yakushimanum hybrid, one of many bred from a species discovered on the Japanese island of Yaku in the 1930s

Mature Height : 3-5 Feet

Mature Width : 4-6 Feet

Exposure : Full to partial Shade

Hardiness Zones : 4-8