- Partial Shade to Partial Sun (3 - 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 20 - 30 Inches
- Mature Spread 36 48 Inches
- Growing Zones 7 - 9
- Use As A Thriller In Containers
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
Container Sizes
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.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.