Azalea luteum

Description

Azalea luteum

Azalea luteum, also known as Rhododendron luteum or the yellow azalea, is a bushy, upright deciduous shrub reaching around 2-3m in height with a similar spread at maturity. Its oblong, mid-green leaves put on a fine autumn display, turning rich shades of orange and red before falling.

In late spring and early summer, the plant is smothered in large, funnel-shaped, golden-yellow flowers that are strongly and sweetly scented, making it a superb choice for woodland planting schemes or informal borders where its fragrance can be fully appreciated.

Cultivation is best achieved in full sun or partial shade, in moist, acidic, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. It is fully hardy throughout the UK and tolerates poorer, drier conditions better than many other deciduous azaleas. Note that it can self-seed readily in mild, damp gardens, so spent flower heads may need removing to keep growth in check.