shrub RHS Award

Capistrano Rhododendron

Rhododendron 'Capistrano David Leach'

The Story

Plant Bio

'Capistrano' is a celebrated hybrid rhododendron developed by David Leach, known for its clear yellow flowers and excellent, dense habit. It is an evergreen with large, leathery, dark green leaves.

This cultivar is one of the hardiest and most reliable yellow-flowering rhododendrons available. It forms a handsome, mounding shrub and produces large trusses of frilly, primrose-yellow flowers.

Uses & Benefits:

A premier choice for a yellow-flowering rhododendron, offering large, showy trusses of primrose-yellow flowers. Its handsome, dark green evergreen foliage and dense, mounding habit provide excellent year-round structure.

Its proven hardiness and reliability make it a go-to for gardeners in colder climates (to Zone 5) who want a yellow rhododendron. It serves well as a specimen, in foundation plantings, or in a mixed shrub border.

The large flowers provide a substantial nectar and pollen source for bumblebees and other large bees in the spring.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

54 inches

Width

54 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Hybrid

Toxicity

All parts are toxic if ingested.

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site protected from afternoon sun and harsh winter winds.
Amend soil to be acidic, rich, and well-draining.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
Set the plant high, with the top of the roots above soil level.
Backfill with amended soil, water deeply to settle.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of acidic mulch like pine bark.

Pro Tip

Deadhead spent flowers carefully, snapping them off at the base, to promote vegetative growth and more blooms next year.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
Mulch to keep roots cool and moist.
Deadhead after blooming to direct energy into growth.
Protect from winter sun and wind to prevent leaf desiccation.

Don't

Do not plant in a windy, exposed location.
Avoid alkaline soils; this will cause yellowing leaves (chlorosis).
Do not let the plant dry out in late fall before the ground freezes.
Avoid deep planting, which can suffocate the roots.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stunning specimen for a shaded borderFoundation planting on a north or east exposureWoodland garden highlight

Companion Plants

Kalmia latifolia Pieris japonica Dicentra spectabilisFerns Hosta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Capistrano Rhododendron questions

What zones can Capistrano Rhododendron grow in?

Capistrano Rhododendron is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Capistrano Rhododendron deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Capistrano Rhododendron, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Capistrano Rhododendron bloom?

Capistrano Rhododendron typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Capistrano Rhododendron need full sun?

Capistrano Rhododendron does best in part shade.