Rhododendron Admiral Semme

Admiral Semmes Deciduous Azalea

Admiral Semmes (Rhododendron ‘Admiral Semmes’) is a deciduous azalea with yellow flowers. Its display arrives in the early-to-middle part of the rhododendron flowering season, with the exact timing influenced by local weather. Individual flowers measure about 1½ inches across. The flower tubes widen into flared faces that display the color clearly. The flowers are fragrant.

The shrub sheds its leaves for winter, making its seasonal foliage and flower display especially noticeable. Cool-season foliage can develop bronze and orange tones. Allow space for the branches to develop without crowding nearby plants or paths.

Give it acidic, humus-rich soil that stays moist and drains freely. A sheltered position with filtered light or morning sun is a useful starting point; protect the roots from prolonged drying and keep mulch clear of the stems.

Size guide
• Height: About 6 ft at 10 years; growth continues afterward
• Width: Allow for the cultivar’s natural branch spread; a verified numerical spread is not available in this reference.

Hardiness
• Approximate cold tolerance: -10°F
• USDA cold-limit equivalent: Zone 6a
This equivalence is calculated from the published temperature rating. Local conditions and summer climate also affect performance.

Best Uses
• Border
• Woodland Gardens
• Accent Plant

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub, Flowering Deciduous Shrub

Height

6 ft+

Width

4'-5'

Hardiness zones

6a–9

Sunlight

Part shade

Bloom time

Spring to summer

Flower color

Yellow

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Bronze, Orange

Fruit color

Green

Attracts

Butterflies

Soil

Acidic, Humus rich, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Border, Woodland Gardens

Shape

Upright

Bark

Fissured

Fruit

No

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

No

Salt tolerant

No

Drought tolerant

No

10-year height

6 ft