shrub RHS Award

Korean Azalea

Rhododendron 'Poukhanense'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Prefers moderate humidity

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Korea, Japan

Toxicity

All parts are toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Rhododendron yedoense var. poukhanense is a dense, mounding, semi-evergreen to deciduous azalea native to Korea, Japan, and China. It is renowned for its exceptional cold hardiness and profuse spring bloom. This variety is distinguished by its fragrant, lilac-purple, funnel-shaped flowers that cover the plant in mid-spring. It has a notably wide, spreading habit and excellent vigor.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a spectacular, fragrant floral display in mid-spring, serving as a key feature in foundation plantings, mixed borders, and woodland gardens. Its semi-evergreen foliage adds texture year-round.

Its dense, spreading habit makes it an effective groundcover on slopes or for mass plantings to suppress weeds. It can be used to define garden spaces or create low, informal hedges.

The early spring flowers are an important nectar source for emerging bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The dense branching provides cover for small birds and wildlife.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Amend soil with compost to create rich, acidic, well-drained conditions.
Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
Set the plant so the top of the root ball is slightly above grade.
Backfill with amended soil and water thoroughly to settle.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of acidic mulch around the base.

Pro Tip

Plant high, with the top of the root ball slightly above soil level, to ensure excellent drainage and prevent root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
Use an acidic fertilizer formulated for azaleas.
Mulch with pine needles or shredded bark to protect roots.
Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root diseases.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, alkaline, or waterlogged soil.
Avoid cultivating around the shallow roots.
Don't let the plant dry out completely, especially before winter.
Never pile mulch directly against the stems.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Fragrant foundation plantingMassed border for spring impactWoodland garden specimen

Companion Plants

Pieris japonica Kalmia latifolia Hosta Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum' Helleborus orientalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Korean Azalea questions

What zones can Korean Azalea grow in?

Korean Azalea is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Korean Azalea deer resistant?

Yes — Korean Azalea is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Korean Azalea bloom?

Korean Azalea 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 Korean Azalea need full sun?

Korean Azalea does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.