A Google search for Azalea Luteum will bring up images of a yellow flowering deciduous shrub. However, it may be difficult to find, but there is an Azalea Luteum Orange out there

Azalea Luteum Orange in our garden

I purchased this Azalea Luteum Orange from one of the local garden centres seven years ago.

For whatever reason, it wasn’t happy in the front garden. The shrub would have a few flowers every Spring, but never put on any growth.

After five years, I decided to dig it up and plant it in a good-sized pot using ericaceous compost. I found a good position for it in the courtyard and it is now thriving.

Plant Profile for Azalea Luteum Orange

Before we sing its praises, the orange variety is not easy to find. It is listed on Glendoicks website but currently out of stock.

Hardiness

Fully hardy in the UK

Flowers

The orange scented flowers open in May and slowly fade and become more yellow.

Height

Mature height is 3/4 ft, which is considerably shorter than the yellow form.

Position

Full sun/partial shade

Soil

To thrive, Azalea, like Rhododendrons, require acidic soil. Deciduous azaleas will do well in pots but do use a good quality ericaceous compost.

I am still a little puzzled as to why this orange form of Luteum is so elusive. Have you ever come across it? Maybe check out Glendoick and see if it will become available again soon.

We did actually have the regular Azalea Luteum in our Aberdeen garden.

I mentioned it in a post which I published sixteen years ago, that was two years after starting Aberdeen Gardening. How time flies.