Overview & Description

The Lemon Lights Azalea (Rhododendron Azalea Lemon Lights) is a hardy, upright deciduous shrub known for its stunning bi-colour flowers and exceptional cold tolerance . Developed by the University of Minnesota as part of the Northern Lights series, this variety is specifically bred to thrive in extreme cold climates. In late spring, it produces abundant clusters of fragrant, lemon-yellow trumpet-shaped flowers with a vivid orange-yellow blotch on the upper lobe. The narrow, olive-green leaves emerge with a reddish-bronze tint, turning an outstanding maroon to purple in fall.

Growth & Size

This variety exhibits an upright, open, multi-stemmed rounded growth habit. It grows at a slow rate, typically reaching a mature size of about 4 to 5 feet in height with a spread of 3 to 5 feet. It can be expected to live for approximately 40 years or more under ideal conditions.

Additional Notes

It blooms in late spring. It thrives in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained, acidic, organic-rich soil. It has excellent cold hardiness to Zone 4 and good powdery mildew resistance. An outstanding choice for shrub borders, foundation plantings, woodland gardens, or mass plantings where vibrant spring colour, fragrance, and multi-season interest are desired in cold climates.