Rhododendron yedoense

Korean Azalea
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Average mature size of 3-6' tall and wide, sometimes wider.

Native Range

Native to Korea. Long-cultivated in Korea and Japan. Cultivated since 1886. Introduced in 1905.

Flower and Fruit Details

Fragrant, showy, clear pink, double flowers in May attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Fruit is not showy, but just a brown capsule.

Leaf and Bark Features

Deciduous: Orange to red-purple fall color.

Culture and Care

Zones (4)5-7. Prefers acid, organic, well-drained soil and full shade to part shade. Tolerates some clay, if not a low, wet area. Try to protect from strong winter winds. Avoid cultivation near the plants, due to shallow roots. Use organic mulches. Azalea lacebugs may be a problem. Root rot may affect plants in poorly-drained areas, especially if soil pH is too high.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

Resistant to rabbit browsing. 3-season interest: Spring, Summer, and Fall. Performs well in the Midwest and South.

Suggested Uses

Good plant for a shade garden or hedge, or as an accent plant or a specimen plant, or for use in groupings or mass plantings. Works well as a foundation plant on the east or north side of a home or building.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA

The following taxa are (or were) represented in the collections at Boone County Arboretum. Additional taxa may be available in the trade that are not included here.

  • Rhododendron yedoense // Korean Azalea ("straight species")
    Shrub.
    -- not currently in our collection --

  • Rhododendron yedoense 'Compacta' // Compact Korean Azalea
    Shrub. Orchid-lavender to pink flowers. Compact size, 4-5' tall and 3-4' wide. Zone 5-7. Prefers a sandy loam soil.
    -- not currently in our collection --

  • Rhododendron yedoense var. poukhanense // Poukhanense Korean Azalea
    Shrub. 3-6' tall and 6-12' wide. Foliage dark green in summer, but then changing to orange or reddish-purple in the fall. Flowers are rose, mauve, magenta-pink to lilac-purple, 2" wide, slightly fragrant, occurring in May, with 2 or 3 flowers borne together. Likes part shade to full shade. In exposed locations, it just spreads and forms a broad mat.
    Bed 32