Rhododendron yedoense var. poukhanense
Overview
Uses: Foundation plantings, low hedges, mass plantings, and part-shade beds.
Benefits: The Korean azalea, one of the hardiest and earliest to bloom. Fragrant lavender-rose flowers cover the bare branches in early spring, and the leaves turn orange-red in fall.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–8
Sun: Partial Shade to Full Sun
Life Cycle: Deciduous Shrub
Growth Habit: Upright, Rounded — open and airy.
Bloom Color: Lavender-Rose (fragrant)
Foliage Color: Green, turning Orange-Red in fall
Mature Height: 3–5 feet
Mature Width: 3–5 feet
Bloom Season: Early spring
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
The azalea that opens the season, before most shrubs have a single leaf.
Korean azalea is a wild species from the mountains of Korea, and it has earned its place in gardens by blooming early and coming through cold winters. In early spring, soft lavender-rose flowers open along bare or just-leafing branches, so the color shows clearly against the brown of a waking garden. The blooms carry a light, sweet scent that is easiest to notice on a mild, still day.
Unlike the dense, evergreen azaleas, this one has an open, upright, airy habit, eventually reaching about three to five feet tall and wide. That looser shape lets it blend naturally into woodland edges and informal beds, and it pairs well with early bulbs, hellebores, and ferns planted beneath it.
The season ends with a second show. In fall the leaves turn shades of orange and red before dropping, giving the plant interest at both ends of the year.
It grows best in partial shade or morning sun, in acidic, well-drained soil, the same conditions that suit rhododendrons and other azaleas.
Care
Poukhanense Korean Azalea Care
Plant in partial shade or a site with morning sun and afternoon shade. More light brings heavier flowering and stronger fall color, but hot, all-day sun can stress the shallow roots and scorch the leaves.
Korean azalea needs acidic, well-drained soil with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water stands, and in heavy clay, mix in compost or plant with the top of the root ball slightly above grade. A two-to-three-inch layer of pine bark or shredded leaves, kept a few inches from the stems, helps hold moisture and keeps the roots cool.
Water deeply once or twice a week through the first growing season, and during dry spells after that, since azalea roots stay near the surface.
Feed lightly. A single application of a slow release fertilizer for acid-loving plants after flowering is plenty, and in good soil it may need none.
Flower buds for the following spring form during summer, so do any pruning right after bloom. The open, natural shape is part of its appeal, and most plants only need an occasional dead or crossing branch removed. Because it flowers so early, a hard late frost can occasionally brown open blooms; planting out of low frost pockets helps.
Size
What Size is the Poukhanense Korean Azalea for Sale Online?
Our Poukhanense Korean Azalea ships in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and is appropriately sized for its container at the time of shipment. Plants ship dormant or near dormant in the off-season, so they may arrive with few or no leaves. If you have specific sizing or planting questions, please contact us.
How Large Does Poukhanense Korean Azalea Grow?
Expect about 3 to 5 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide at maturity, in an open, upright, rounded shape. Space plants about 4 feet apart for an informal group or loose hedge.
Additional Information
What are some common names for this plant?
It is most often sold as Korean azalea, and is sometimes listed simply by its variety name, poukhanense.
How early does it bloom?
It is one of the first azaleas to flower, usually opening in early spring as or just before the leaves emerge, a few weeks ahead of most evergreen azaleas. Pairing it with later-blooming varieties stretches azalea color across the whole spring. See our full selection of Azaleas.
Is it evergreen?
No. Korean azalea is deciduous through most of its range and drops its leaves after fall color, though it may hold a few leaves through mild winters. That bare winter frame is what lets the early flowers show so clearly. For more flowering shrubs, browse our Shrubs & Bushes.
Is Poukhanense Korean Azalea deer resistant?
No. Deer browse azaleas, including this one. In areas with heavy deer pressure, protect plants with fencing or a repellent, or consider options from our Deer-Resistant Shrubs and Evergreens.
