Rhododendron 'Western Lights' (Exbury Hybrid)

Western Lights Exbury Azalea

Western Lights (Rhododendron ‘Western 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 2 to 2½ inches across. The flower tubes widen into flared faces that display the color clearly. Wavy petal edges give the clusters additional texture. The flowers have a degree of fragrance.

The yellow green leaves have a glossy surface that gives the foliage a distinct presence between flowering seasons. It can provide a flowering focal point within a mixed shrub border or woodland-edge planting.

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 3 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
• Woodland Gardens
• Accent Plant

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub, Flowering Deciduous Shrub

Height

3 ft+

Width

3'

Hardiness zones

3b–7

Sunlight

Part shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring to summer

Flower color

Pink

Leaf color

Yellow Green

Fall color

Purple

Attracts

Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Acidic, Humus rich, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Border, Woodland Gardens

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

No

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

No

Salt tolerant

No

Drought tolerant

No

10-year height

3 ft