Rhododendron Orchid Lights

Orchid Lights Azalea

Orchid Lights (Rhododendron ‘Orchid Lights’) is a deciduous azalea with pink flowers. Its display arrives in the later part of the rhododendron flowering season, with the exact timing influenced by local weather. Individual flowers measure about 1¾ inches across. The flower tubes widen into flared faces that display the color clearly. Contrasting yellow markings add detail within the flower faces. The flowers have a noticeable scent that can be musky rather than sweet.

The plant develops a rounded outline. The shrub sheds its leaves for winter, making its seasonal foliage and flower display especially noticeable. Its low early growth makes it useful near the front of a planting where the flowers remain easy to see.

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 2 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: -35°F
• USDA cold-limit equivalent: Zone 3b
This equivalence is calculated from the published temperature rating. Local conditions and summer climate also affect performance.

Best Uses
• Border
• Rock Garden
• Accent Plant

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub, Flowering Deciduous Shrub

Height

2 ft+

Hardiness zones

3b–8

Sunlight

Part shade

Bloom time

Spring to summer

Flower color

Pink

Leaf color

Yellow Green

Fall color

Green, Yellow

Attracts

Butterflies

Soil

Acidic, Humus rich, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Border, Rock Garden

Shape

Rounded

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

No

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

No

Salt tolerant

No

Drought tolerant

No

10-year height

2 ft