Garden Tip 153:

THE YAKU PRINCESS RHODODENDRON

Plants in the garden change overnight with the onset of longer days and warmer evening temperatures. A noteworthy beauty that has recently sprung forth in my garden is the Yaku Princess Rhododendron, Rhododendron Yakushimanum.

As rhododendrons go, this one is somewhat of a dwarf, with maximum growth reaching 5’ wide and 5’ tall. Yak rhododendrons are dense shrubs with thick, glossy, leathery leaves that are velvety brown underneath. Yaku Princess has apple blossom pink flowers in mid-May.

These shrubs will grow in sun or shade, are attractive to bees and other pollinators, and are deer and rabbit resistant. It should be noted that parts of this plant are poisonous, so if you are prone to be munching on your plants stay away from this one, otherwise it is not a problem at all.