Yaku Princess Rhododendron
Rhododendron 'Yaku Princess'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
42 inches
Width
42 inches
Light
Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Medium
Humidity
Prefers high humidity
Lifespan
Long-lived evergreen shrub
Native To
Hybrid, parent species from Japan
Toxicity
All parts are toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Yakushimanum rhododendrons are prized for their compact habit, handsome foliage with fuzzy undersides (indumentum), and abundant flowers. 'Yaku Princess' is a classic 'yak' hybrid featuring trusses of apple-blossom pink flowers that fade to pure white, creating a beautiful multi-toned effect.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a site with dappled sunlight and acidic, well-drained, humus-rich soil.
- Dig a shallow, wide hole, about twice the width of the root ball.
- Amend the backfill soil with compost or peat moss.
- Set the plant so the top of the root ball is 1-2 inches above grade.
- Fill in around the plant, building the soil up to the root ball.
- Water thoroughly and apply a layer of acidic mulch.
Pro Tip
Plant high, with the top of the root ball slightly above soil level, to ensure the excellent drainage that rhododendrons require.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide consistent moisture, never allowing the soil to dry out completely.
- Use fertilizers formulated for acid-loving plants.
- Mulch to protect the shallow root system from heat and drought.
- Deadhead spent flowers promptly after blooming.
Don't
- Do not plant in heavy clay or alkaline soil.
- Avoid deep cultivation around the base of the plant.
- Don't use aluminum sulfate to acidify the soil; it can be toxic.
- Refrain from fertilizing after mid-summer to avoid tender new growth before winter.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Yaku Princess Rhododendron questions
What zones can Yaku Princess Rhododendron grow in?
Yaku Princess 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 Yaku Princess Rhododendron deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Yaku Princess Rhododendron, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Yaku Princess Rhododendron bloom?
Yaku Princess Rhododendron typically blooms in late spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Yaku Princess Rhododendron need full sun?
Yaku Princess Rhododendron does best in part shade.
More Rhododendron to compare
Catawba Rhododendron
Rhododendron catawbiense
Double White Rhododendron
Rhododendron x hybrida 'Double White'
Great Laurel Rhododendron
Rhododendron maximum
Bone Hardy Azalea
Rhododendron obtusum 'Bone Hardy Azalea Sampler'
Praecox Rhododendron
Rhododendron catawbiense 'Praecox'
Elite Star Rhododendron
Rhododendron x hybrida 'Elite Star'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Yaku Princess Rhododendron with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
