Millais Nurseries
Rhododendron yakushimanum 'Koichiro Wada' AGM
Item: SYAK
In stock
May
Light Pink , White & Cream
50-75cm
Not Scented
Yes
To -20 °C
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Pink in bud opening to delightful white bell shaped flowers giving the appearance of apple blossom, in the form of a compact truss in May. It features a distinctive white fluffy covering (tomentum) on the top of young foliage which washes off during the course of the summer, exposing the dark green glossy upper surface of the leaves. The lower surface of the leaves also starts off with a silvery indumentum when young, before maturing into a dense brown wooly indumentum in autumn. This thick covering of indumentum means that new growth is usually resistant to aphids and fungal infections. Height 50-75 cm in 10 years.
This is generally accepted to be the best form of yakushimanum, selected from seedlings raised at Exbury Gardens. This is the FCC form (awarded in 1947) and was imported by L. de Rothschild in 1934 from K. Wada in Japan. It normally requires specialist grafting to propagate, but then is an easy grower, and performs so much better than seedling raised plants often offered for sale elsewhere. It is the parent of many excellent low-growing yakushimanum hybrids, but few compare to the quality of this original parent. We love this plant for its pretty flower and exceptional foliage.
This plant was selected by members of the RHS Rhododendron Camellia and Magnolia Group as their favourite Rhododendron, in a poll of members during their Centenary celebrations in 2016.
- Ideal for containers and small gardens.
- Easy to grow.
- Ideal position: Dappled shade.
- Habit: Compact bushy.
- Group: Rhododendron.
- Subsection: Pontica.
- Introduction date: pre 1950 (1934).
- Species distribution: Yakushima Island, Japan.
- Approximate altitude: 1,200-1,800m
- Ideal soil: pH 4.5 to 6.0
- RHS Hardiness Rating: H7.
- How we usually propagate this plant: Graft.
- Awards: RHS Award of Garden Merit.
Customer Reviews
Good to know
Dome-shaped plants ideal for pots and small borders, growing to 75-100cm (2.5-3 foot) in 10 years. These are mainly of Rhododendron williamsianum and Rhododendron yakushimanum hybrids.
R. williamsianum hybrids normally flower in April and are tolerant of slightly higher pH, which can be useful for those growing on neutral soils. They have small clusters of bell-shaped flowers which hang down, which contrast well with other rhododendrons. Their rounded leaves makes them a great foliage plant all year, and softens the landscape in larger planting schemes. Some varieties can be shy to flower as a young plant, but will normally flower in the year after planting out.
'Yak' hybrids mainly flower in May, with a small rounded truss of flowers, often bright in colour when first opening, but always fading paler over the next couple of weeks. These are typically very tough plants, which are ideal for the front of border, or for more formal situations Alternatively, yak hybrids are suitable for growing in pots and containers; re-pot every 3 years for best performance. Most varieties will bud up and flower as a 3 litre plant.
They will take sun or shade, but dappled is best. Compact rhododendrons like moist acidic soil, with good drainage, and plenty of organic matter such as leaf-mould and added ericaceous compost. Plant no deeper than the top of the rootball, and dig in plenty of good ericaceous compost around the sides. For a guide to plant spacing, use the height we give in 10 years as a guide to the distance between each plant, so this is about 1 plant per m². Give a teaspoon of slow-release feed at the 3 litre size, rising to a small handful full for mature plants. They are not normally nibbled by deer and rabbits. Pruning is not recommended, but wayward shoots can be cut back straight after flowering to improve shape.
Please note: Most of these varieties are dome shaped plants, often wider than their height. Specimen size plants (eg 80-90cm) will be measured by their largest measurement which is typically the spread of the plant.
For further advice, For further advice, see here
Size Guide
picture for example only
The Basics
Ideal soil
Acidic soil, good organic content, pH 4.5-6.0. Inkarho range of rhododendrons will tolerate soils up to pH7.5
Sun or Shade
Light dappled shade is best for most varieties.
Shelter
Refer to hardiness rating. Give young plants protection.
Site Selection
Avoid close to trees, roots, invasive weeds, walls, hot patios, dry banks and waterlogged soils. Do not use weed matting or stone mulch.
Plant spacing
Use the height shown in 10 years as a guide to the distance between each plant. Allow room for plant to fill out. If planting closer for instant impact, be prepared to move plants after a few years.
Compost
- 3 litre pot, dig in 10-20 litres of ericaceous compost.
- 7.5 litre pot, dig in 20-30 litres of ericaceous compost.
- 70-80cm specimen, dig in 60 litres of ericaceous compost.
- 100-120cm specimen, dig in 120 litres of ericaceous compost.
Planting depth
Plant high in the ground, with the top of the rootball visible.
Feeding
Slow-release ericaceous feed recommended in March and straight after flowering.
Mulch
Recommended every few years.
Water
The key ingredient! Keep moist all season, especially the critical time at end of June for flower bud initiation. Tap water is better than no water. Heavy dose at least once per week in dry weather.
Drainage
Ensure good drainage in winter, especially with yellow flowering varieties. Avoid waterlogged sites.
Pruning
Rhododendrons and Camellias: Not normally required. Tidy wayward shoots after flowering.
Evergreen azaleas and Bloombux can be clipped into a low hedge.
Magnolias and Acers: Formative pruning when young to shape into a tree or bush.
Deadheading
Remove old flower-heads, particularly on young or weak plants.
For further advice see here
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