Evergreen

Yaku Prince rhododendron

Rhododendron 'Yaku Prince'

Rhododendron 'Yaku Prince' is a compact evergreen shrub with red buds that open purplish pink and soften as the flowers age. It generally reaches about 2 to 3 feet tall, while mature spread estimates range from about 2 to 4 feet. It was recorded at about 3 feet wide after ten years. Its broad shape suits a small foundation bed or mixed shrub border where there is room for the branches to spread. Give it partial shade, acidic, well-drained soil, and steady moisture through summer. In Southwest Washington, protect shallow roots with mulch and choose a site that drains during wet months.

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At a glance

Mature height
About 2–3 feet
Mature spread
About 2–4 feet
Light
Partial shade
Hardiness
Generally USDA zones 5–8

The right plant, the right place

Make room for something good.

The compact, broad evergreen habit fits a small foundation bed or mixed shrub border. Leave enough room for a spread of about 2 to 4 feet.

Where to plant

Choose partial shade, with protection from excessive sun. Set the shrub where its broad branches can develop without crowding a path.

Through the seasons

Red buds open to purplish pink flowers in spring, then the blooms fade with age. The shrub keeps its foliage year-round.

Southwest Washington gardens

Give it a good start.

In Southwest Washington, prioritize drainage through wet periods and water during summer dry spells. These are general rhododendron care needs; local performance of this cultivar has not been established.

Soil, drainage & water

Plant in acidic, moist, well-drained soil. Keep moisture steady in summer without leaving the root zone waterlogged.

A little care goes a long way

Growing well, season after season.

Mulch over the shallow root zone and water during dry summer periods. Prune soon after flowering, before the next flower buds form.

Know what to look for

Common growing concerns.

Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.

Phytophthora root rot

Stunted growth, yellowish leaves, wilting or dieback; roots may rot.

Help your plant thrive

Plant in well-drained soil and start with disease-free stock. Remove and destroy infected plants.

Rhododendron lace bug

Pale stippling on leaf tops and dark, crusty deposits underneath; repeated infestations can yellow the foliage.

Help your plant thrive

Avoid excessive sun. Check leaf undersides in spring and summer, and wash insects off with a strong stream of water.

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