Golden Torch Rhododendron

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Partial Sun

(3 - 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

2-3 Feet

Mature Spread

3-4 Feet

Growing Zones

7 to 9

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.