Rhododendron 'Orchid Lights'

Orchid Lights Exbury 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+

Width

3'

Hardiness zones

3b–7

Sunlight

Part shade

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Spring to summer

Flower color

Pink

Leaf color

Yellow Green

Fall color

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