
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 Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 7 - 9 |
Plant Type: Bushes |
Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Partial Sun (3 - 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 20 - 30 Inches |
Mature Spread: 36 - 48 Inches |
Spacing: 36 - 48 Inches |
Habit: Mounded |
Flower Color(s): Yellow |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Evergreen |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering |
Watering: Low |
Resists: Disease, Pests & Insects |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies |
Container Role: Thriller |
Uses: Borders, Containers, Edging |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Low Maintenance |
Brand: |
Common Name: Golden Torch Rhododendron |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: Rhododendron yak. 'Golden Torch' |
- SKU:
- 1231007195-pc
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

We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2025 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.

Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 31th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: Idaho, 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.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!