Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Golden Torch Rhododendron may be the most prolific blooming broadleaf evergreen ever bred. This award-winning rhododendron has been available since 1971 and has been a favorite of gardeners ever since. The large, 5-inch blooms open in clusters all over this relatively compact and short shrub. The glorious salmon buds open and mature into a creamy yellow and eventually turn shades of white as the flowers go over. Golden Torch is a Yaku hybrid bred in Japan to be easy to care for and hardy.
Golden Torch is the perfect size for a smaller garden or even for growing in a container. The small, matte-green leaves offer interest year round and help to give structure to the garden when all of the herbaceous perennials are dormant. Golden torch blooms late in the spring and does equally well in full sun or part shade. Spring bulbs and early blooming perennials are great companions for Gold Torch Rhododendron.
Gold Torch Rhododendron Care
Rhododendrons prefer rich, acidic soil and good drainage. Add organic compost to heavy clay soils to lighten the texture and add drainage. Water rhododendrons well the first 1-2 years after planting. One inch of water a week will establish a robust root system that will tolerate short periods of drought. Apply arborist chips, shredded leaves, or organic compost around the root zone to hold moisture in the soil and cool the roots through the summer. Fertilize Golden Torch early in the spring with a slow-release, granular fertilizer for acid-loving shrubs. Scratch the dry fertilizer into the top 1-2 inches of soil and water well.
Rhododendrons bloom on the previous year's growth, making the timing of pruning essential to set up a good flower display. Always prune after the flowers have finished in the early summer. Carefully cut back branches to the next set of leaves, and avoid pruning any flower buds that may have formed. Golden torch has a compact shape and rarely needs heavy pruning.
Golden Torch Rhododendron Spacing
Golden Torch Rhododendron is a reasonably slow grower and will take a few years to reach its mature height of 30 inches and spread of 48 inches. Space plants 48 inches apart on the center when planting multiples of Golden Torch. Spring bulbs and shallow-rooted perennials can be planted within 2 feet of the base.
Golden Torch Rhododendron Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 7 to 9 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Shade to Part Sun (3-6 Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 2-3 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 3-4 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Mounded
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Yellow
- Flower Description
- Yellow
- Bloom Time
- Late Spring to Early Summer
- Blooms On
-
Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Right after flowering
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Golden Torch Rhododendron
- Botanical Name
- Rhododendron yak. 'Golden Torch'
- Plant Type
- Shrub
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
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