Rhododendron luteum Honeysuckle azalea (Ericaceae) Deciduous shrub

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Rhododendron luteum
Honeysuckle azalea
Deciduous shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Rhododendron luteum plant species is found in Europe - Austria and Poland to Turkey. Occasionally naturalized in Britain[17]. It is a member of the Ericaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Honeysuckle azalea. Some home gardeners know the variety as R. flavum. Azalea pontica.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Rhododendron luteum
Common Name:  Honeysuckle azalea
Family:  Ericaceae
Author:  (L.)Sweet.

Known Hazards:  Although no specific mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where many members have poisonous leaves. The pollen of many if not all species of rhododendrons is also probably toxic, being said to cause intoxication when eaten in large quantities[183].

Mature Height:  2.5   Mature Width:  2.5

Habitat:  Mountain meadows, sometimes on limestone, beech and open coniferous forests, to 2200 metres[184]. Grows from sea-level to the sub-alpine zone[11].

Cultivation Notes: Succeeds in a most humus-rich lime-free soils except those of a dry arid nature or those that are heavy or clayey[1]. Prefers a peaty or well-drained sandy loam[1]. Succeeds in sun or shade, the warmer the climate the more shade a plant requires[200]. A pH between 4.5 and 5.5 is ideal[1]. Hardy to about -30°c[184]. A very ornamental plant[1], the flowers are sweetly scented[184] with a honey-like fragrance[245]. Plants self-sow freely when in a suitable position[11]. Succeeds in a woodland though, because of its surface-rooting habit[200], it does not compete well with surface-rooting trees[1]. Plants need to be kept well weeded, they dislike other plants growing over or into their root system, in particular they grow badly with ground cover plants, herbaceous plants and heathers[200]. Plants form a root ball and are very tolerant of being transplanted, even when quite large, so long as the root ball is kept intact[200]. Plants are tolerant of drought when they are grown under trees[184]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[200].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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