Rhododendron (yakushimanum) 'GOLDEN TORCH'

Rhododendrons are reliable, beautifully flowering, evergreen shrubs of variable origin: S.W. China, Himalayas, Northern America, and even Europe. The original species were hybridized several times for better performance so in the 1950´s there were more than 10,000 cultivars registered, and the number keeps increasing.

Golden Torch bears trusses of 13-15 campanulate flowers which are pale yellow, opening from salmon buds. This variety requires a sheltered position.

It belongs to the Yakushimanum group of rhodes which were crossed with the species originally found on Yakushima Island, Japan. Its further advantage is the suitability for insolate locations. It grows slowly, forming a dense and compact bush about 1m tall and only a bit wider. For richer flowering and growth dead-head where possible. The roots are shallow, spreading to sides in search for nutrients. Never plant them too deep. The soil has to be acidic, rich in humus, cool and always moist. Ideal soil mixture is peat with lime-free, light garden soil topped with leaf-mould. Use selective fertilizers for rhododendrons only. Hardy to about -22°C (USDA zone 6).

Last update 23-02-2009