Rhododendron yakushimanum Koichiro Wada
Rhododendron yakushimanum Koichiro Wada
Rhododendron yakushimanum Koichiro Wada
Yakushima Rhododendron
A magnificent rhododendron, in perfect harmony with the Japanese azalea.
Richard, 24/04/2026
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This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty
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We guarantee the quality of our plants for a full growing cycle, and will replace at our expense any plant that fails to recover under normal climatic and planting conditions.
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Description
Rhododendron yakushimanum Koichiro Wada is an exceptional old variety, highly appreciated by enthusiasts of "yak rhodo" or yakushimanum hybrids. It forms a compact and rounded small bush, with very ornamental flowering and foliage. Its young elliptical leaves are covered with a silvery down before turning dark green, while the undersides of the leaves are also covered with a down of brownish hairs. Its flowering in May resembles the flowering of apple trees: the pink flower buds open into white bells tinged with pale pink. This lovely and robust rhododendron has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in England. It is perfect for adorning a small shaded space in the garden with its bright flowers, whether in a flowerbed, border, or container.
Rhododendrons are plants of the Ericaceae family, like heathers, preferring predominantly limestone-free soils, with an acidic tendency and humid climates. The Rhododendron yakushimanum Koichiro Wada was imported by L. de Rothschild in 1934 from K. Wada in Japan. It forms a dense bush with a rounded habit, reaching about 80 cm in height and 1 m in width after 10 years. Its growth is rather slow. Its small, evergreen, and leathery leaves are shiny dark green and elliptical in shape, providing good coverage of the plant. They have a very downy reddish-brown underside. The upper side of the young leaves is covered with a silvery down. Flowering takes place in May. Grouped in corymbs, the pink flower buds open into large 10 cm wide flowers, with white bells and a pale pink wash.
Like all yakushimanum hybrids, the Rhododendron Koichiro Wada is hardy down to -15°C, and even -20°C. Although they prefer partial shade, these hybrids can tolerate sun as long as it is not scorching (morning sun) and their base remains cool. With its abundant and clear flowering, Koichiro Wada easily adorns a small, slightly shaded space in the garden, alongside ferns, blue or variegated hostas, Pieris, Azaleas, Japanese Maples, or other rhododendrons from the same group to create superb patchworks of textures and colours in spring. In shades of white and pink, also consider Kalmia latifolia. Growing in containers requires regular watering with non-limestone water, as well as specific fertiliser for ericaceous plants.
Plant habit
Flowering
Foliage
Botanical data
Rhododendron
yakushimanum
Koichiro Wada
Ericaceae
Yakushima Rhododendron
Cultivar or hybrid
Planting and care
Plant the Rhododendron yakushimanum Koichiro Wada in partial shade, protected from cold and drying winds, in a cool, humus-rich, and light soil with an acidic tendency (pH between 4.5 and 6). Like all plants in the Ericaceae family, it does not tolerate alkaline soils, drought, heatwaves, or heavy soils saturated with water in winter. If the soil remains moist in summer, this rhododendron can also tolerate exposure to non-scorching sunlight.
Dig a hole three times larger than the pot. Soak the root ball in non-limestone water and plant the bush at the collar level, in a mixture composed of 1/4 turf, leaf compost, gravel or pumice, and loam. Water generously and keep the soil moist in summer. Azaleas and rhododendrons have a shallow root system. As a result, they are susceptible to long periods of drought. That's why it is recommended to enrich the soil with humus and water abundantly during dry periods. Additionally, this root system is not very strong, which is why it is essential to lighten heavy soils with draining materials (gravel, pumice, clay pellets) at planting. Apply a mulch of shredded pine bark around the base of the bush every spring to maintain soil moisture and acidic pH.
Maintenance involves removing faded flowers in summer and cleaning dead branches. Azaleas and rhododendrons can sometimes be attacked by weevils that eat the edges of leaves and rootlets, as well as the infamous "rhododendron beetle," which rarely causes significant damage. Effective organic solutions are available today against weevils. Yellowing of leaves (chlorosis) in rhododendrons indicates poor assimilation of iron in the soil and can lead to premature plant death. While limestone (in the soil or irrigation water) is often the cause, poorly drained soil or deeply planted root balls can also explain the phenomenon.
Planting period
Intended location
Care
Planting & care advice
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Hardiness is the lowest winter temperature a plant can endure without suffering serious damage or even dying. However, hardiness is affected by location (a sheltered area, such as a patio), protection (winter cover) and soil type (hardiness is improved by well-drained soil).
The flowering period indicated on our website applies to countries and regions located in USDA zone 8 (France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, etc.)
It will vary according to where you live:- In zones 9 to 10 (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), flowering will occur about 2 to 4 weeks earlier.
- In zones 6 to 7 (Germany, Poland, Slovenia, and lower mountainous regions), flowering will be delayed by 2 to 3 weeks.
- In zone 5 (Central Europe, Scandinavia), blooming will be delayed by 3 to 5 weeks.
In temperate climates, pruning of spring-flowering shrubs (forsythia, spireas, etc.) should be done just after flowering.
Pruning of summer-flowering shrubs (Indian Lilac, Perovskia, etc.) can be done in winter or spring.
In cold regions as well as with frost-sensitive plants, avoid pruning too early when severe frosts may still occur.
The planting period indicated on our website applies to countries and regions located in USDA zone 8 (France, United Kingdom, Ireland, Netherlands).
It will vary according to where you live:
- In Mediterranean zones (Marseille, Madrid, Milan, etc.), autumn and winter are the best planting periods.
- In continental zones (Strasbourg, Munich, Vienna, etc.), delay planting by 2 to 3 weeks in spring and bring it forward by 2 to 4 weeks in autumn.
- In mountainous regions (the Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathians, etc.), it is best to plant in late spring (May-June) or late summer (August-September).
The harvesting period indicated on our website applies to countries and regions in USDA zone 8 (France, England, Ireland, the Netherlands).
In colder areas (Scandinavia, Poland, Austria...) fruit and vegetable harvests are likely to be delayed by 3-4 weeks.
In warmer areas (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), harvesting will probably take place earlier, depending on weather conditions.
The sowing periods indicated on our website apply to countries and regions within USDA Zone 8 (France, UK, Ireland, Netherlands).
In colder areas (Scandinavia, Poland, Austria...), delay any outdoor sowing by 3-4 weeks, or sow under glass.
In warmer climes (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), bring outdoor sowing forward by a few weeks.