Yak Rhododendron

A compact evergreen shrub native to Yakushima Island, Japan, ranging from 1 to 4 feet. Bell-shaped flowers, 1 to 2 inches long and wide, open rich rose from bud, change to light pink, then fade to white, in clusters of about 10 blooms. New growth covered in distinctive silver tomentum; mature leaves carry thick fawn-colored indumentum on the underside. One of the most important parent species in modern rhododendron hybridization.

Partial shade on acidic, well-drained soil. The compact habit, indumentose foliage, and color-shifting flowers have made R. yakushimanum the foundation of an entire class of hybrids ("yak hybrids") including 'Percy Wiseman', 'Yaku Prince', 'Yaku Princess', 'Solidarity', and 'Fantastica'. Pure species plants are treasured by collectors. Twenty-one diseases and 15 pests documented at the genus level. All parts contain grayanotoxins and are toxic if ingested.