Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Rhododendron keiskei 'Yaku Fairy'
Yaku Fairy Rhododendron
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Height
- 1 to 2 ft
- Width
- 2 to 3 ft
- Flower color
- Pale yellow to creamy-yellow blossoms
- Foliage color
- Evergreen medium to dark green leaves
- Bloom time
- Early to mid spring
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; requires minimal pruning beyond removing spent blooms and shaping
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 6a to 9b
- Wildlife
- Flowers attract bees and other pollinators; evergreen foliage provides shelter for birds
About this plant
Rhododendron keiskei 'Yaku Fairy' is a dwarf evergreen rhododendron that forms a tight, almost prostrate mound with small, light green leaves. In early spring, clusters of funnel-shaped, lemon-yellow flowers open along the stems. Trusses are small but plentiful, so the plant looks sprinkled with soft yellow blooms that draw early-season pollinators. Foliage stays neat and evergreen through winter.
'Yaku Fairy' originated as a selection from Yakushima, noted from Kuromi Peak, and was introduced to cultivation in the early 1970's. Its slow growth and ground-hugging form suit rock gardens, troughs, and the front of woodland borders where the spring display can be enjoyed up close.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Borders · Rock Gardens · Containers
Companion plants
Phlox · Pittosporum · Hardy mums · Feather reed grass · Cranesbill · Butterfly bush
Design tip
Grow ‘Yaku Fairy’ where its ground-hugging form can spread across the edge of a rock garden or low planting. Nearby stones or taller upright plants provide useful contrast, emphasizing its flattened silhouette and keeping the small-scale shrub from becoming visually lost.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden.
