Azaleas, part of the Rhododendron genus, are popular flowering shrubs prized for their vibrant spring blooms in colors like yellow, white, pink, red, and orange. They thrive in acidic, well-drained soil (pH 4.5–6.0) and prefer partial shade to protect their delicate flowers and foliage. Available as evergreen or deciduous types, azaleas suit various garden styles, from formal hedges to naturalistic woodland settings.
Evergreen azaleas, such as Kurume or Satsuki hybrids, retain their leaves year-round, offering consistent structure and compact growth (1–6 feet). They bloom profusely in spring, with some reblooming hybrids like Encore flowering again in summer and fall. These are ideal for warmer climates (zones 6–10) and work well in containers, borders, or as low hedges.
Deciduous azaleas, like Exbury or Northern Lights hybrids, shed leaves in winter but dazzle with fragrant, vivid blooms and colorful fall foliage (red, orange, or yellow). Often hardier (zones 3–8), they’re suited for colder regions and larger landscapes, attracting pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies.
Care involves consistent moisture, mulching to retain water, and light pruning after blooming to maintain shape. Fertilize sparingly with acid-loving plant formulas to avoid overgrowth. Azaleas are sensitive to heavy soils or excessive sun, which can stress the plant or fade blooms.
Azalea Bushes With Yellow Flowers
‘Gibraltar’ (Knap Hill Hybrid)
- Description: A deciduous azalea with large, vibrant orange-yellow flowers in ball-shaped clusters, often with a slight fragrance.
- Size: 4–6 feet tall, 4–5 feet wide.
- Features: Mid to late spring blooms, zones 5–8, fiery orange-red fall foliage, ideal for mixed borders.
- Care: Partial shade, acidic soil (pH 4.5–6.0), moist but well-drained.
‘Lemon Lights’ (Northern Lights Hybrid)
- Description: A cold-hardy deciduous azalea with bright lemon-yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers.
- Size: 4–5 feet tall, 3–4 feet wide.
- Features: Early to mid spring blooms, zones 3–7, extremely cold-tolerant, fragrant, suits northern climates.
- Care: Partial shade, acidic soil, regular watering, mulch for winter protection.
‘Golden Lights’ (Northern Lights Hybrid)
- Description: A deciduous azalea with golden-yellow flowers, lightly fragrant, and compact growth.
- Size: 3–4 feet tall, 3–5 feet wide.
- Features: Early spring blooms, zones 3–7, vibrant fall foliage, bred for cold climates, great for mass plantings.
- Care: Partial shade, well-drained acidic soil, tolerates colder temperatures.
‘Christopher Wren’ (Mollis Hybrid)
- Description: A deciduous azalea with large, bright yellow-orange flowers, blooming before leaves emerge.
- Size: 4–6 feet tall, 4–6 feet wide.
- Features: Early to mid spring blooms, zones 5–8, colorful fall foliage, ideal for woodland gardens.
- Care: Partial shade, acidic soil, keep soil consistently moist.
‘Weston’s Lemon Drop’ (Weston Hybrid)
- Description: A deciduous azalea with soft lemon-yellow, fragrant flowers and a compact habit.
- Size: 3–5 feet tall, 3–4 feet wide.
- Features: Late spring blooms, zones 4–8, peach-yellow fall foliage, attracts pollinators, suits small gardens.
- Care: Partial shade, moist acidic soil, minimal pruning.
Rhododendron luteum ‘Golden Comet’ (European Azalea)
- Description: A deciduous azalea with vivid yellow, highly fragrant flowers, native to Europe.
- Size: 4–6 feet tall, 4–5 feet wide.
- Features: Mid spring blooms, zones 5–7, golden-orange fall foliage, perfect for naturalized settings.
- Care: Partial shade, well-drained acidic soil, protect from strong winds.
Rhododendron calendulaceum ‘Cherokee’ (Flame Azalea)
- Description: A native North American deciduous azalea with bright yellow to yellow-orange blooms.
- Size: 6–12 feet tall, 5–8 feet wide.
- Features: Late spring to early summer blooms, zones 5–7, native to eastern U.S., attracts hummingbirds, ideal for large landscapes.
- Care: Partial shade, acidic soil, tolerates moist conditions.
‘Narcissiflorum’ (Ghent Hybrid)
- Description: A deciduous azalea with double, pale yellow flowers, strongly fragrant, resembling narcissus blooms.
- Size: 5–6 feet tall, 4–6 feet wide.
- Features: Mid to late spring blooms, zones 5–8, yellow-orange fall foliage, great for cottage gardens.
- Care: Partial shade, acidic soil, water during dry spells.
‘Golden Eagle’ (Knap Hill Hybrid)
- Description: A deciduous azalea with vivid golden-yellow to orange-yellow, semi-double flowers, lightly fragrant.
- Size: 4–6 feet tall, 4–5 feet wide.
- Features: Mid to late spring blooms, zones 5–8, striking red-orange fall foliage, suits shrub borders or woodland edges.
- Care: Partial shade, acidic soil (pH 4.5–6.0), well-drained, keep moist.
‘Solar Flare’ (Exbury Hybrid)
- Description: A deciduous azalea with large, bright yellow flowers and a subtle orange blush, highly fragrant.
- Size: 5–7 feet tall, 4–6 feet wide.
- Features: Mid spring blooms, zones 5–8, vibrant fall colors (red to orange), ideal for specimen planting.
- Care: Partial shade, acidic soil, mulch to retain moisture, protect from strong winds.
‘Mandarin Lights’ (Northern Lights Hybrid)
- Description: A compact, cold-hardy deciduous azalea with bright yellow-orange flowers, mildly fragrant.
- Size: 3–4 feet tall, 3–4 feet wide.
- Features: Early spring blooms, zones 3–7, bred for extreme cold, yellow-orange fall foliage, great for small gardens.
- Care: Partial shade, well-drained acidic soil, tolerates harsh winters.
‘Klondyke’ (Exbury Hybrid)
- Description: A deciduous azalea with rich golden-yellow flowers, often with a coppery-orange tint, strongly fragrant.
- Size: 6–8 feet tall, 5–7 feet wide.
- Features: Mid spring blooms, zones 5–8, bronze-red fall foliage, perfect for large landscapes or hedges.
- Care: Partial shade, moist acidic soil, water during dry periods.
Rhododendron austrinum ‘Gold Dust’ (Florida Azalea)
- Description: A native deciduous azalea with golden-yellow, fragrant flowers, native to southeastern U.S.
- Size: 6–10 feet tall, 5–8 feet wide.
- Features: Early to mid spring blooms, zones 6–9, attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, suits naturalized gardens.
- Care: Partial shade, well-drained acidic soil, tolerates sandy or moist conditions.
‘Admiral Semmes’ (Confederate Series Hybrid)
- Description: A deciduous azalea with bright yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers, moderately fragrant.
- Size: 5–7 feet tall, 4–6 feet wide.
- Features: Mid spring blooms, zones 5–9, developed for southern U.S. climates, orange fall foliage, ideal for mass plantings.
- Care: Partial shade, acidic soil, consistent moisture, tolerates heat.
‘Weston’s Popcorn’ (Weston Hybrid)
- Description: A deciduous azalea with creamy yellow to pale yellow flowers, fragrant and compact.
- Size: 3–5 feet tall, 3–4 feet wide.
- Features: Late spring blooms, zones 4–8, yellow-orange fall foliage, suits small spaces or pollinator gardens.
- Care: Partial shade, moist acidic soil, light pruning after bloom.
‘Daviesii’ (Ghent Hybrid)
- Description: A deciduous azalea with creamy yellow, double flowers, strongly fragrant, resembling small roses.
- Size: 4–6 feet tall, 4–5 feet wide.
- Features: Mid to late spring blooms, zones 5–8, golden fall foliage, great for cottage or mixed gardens.
- Care: Partial shade, well-drained acidic soil, avoid waterlogged roots.
General Care Tips for Yellow Azaleas
- Light: Partial shade is best; too much sun can fade yellow blooms, while too little light reduces flowering.
- Soil: Acidic (pH 4.5–6.0), well-drained, rich in organic matter.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; mulch helps retain moisture.
- Pruning: Prune lightly after spring bloom to maintain shape; avoid heavy pruning to preserve next season’s buds.
- Fertilizer: Use acid-loving plant fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn.
N/B
- Yellow azaleas are almost exclusively deciduous, as true yellow is rare in evergreen azaleas. These varieties shine in spring with vibrant blooms and add fall interest with colorful foliage.
- Northern Lights hybrids (‘Lemon Lights’, ‘Golden Lights’) are ideal for colder climates (zones 3–4), while others like ‘Cherokee’ suit larger, naturalistic gardens.
- Fragrant varieties (‘Golden Comet’, ‘Narcissiflorum’, ‘Weston’s Lemon Drop’) enhance sensory garden experiences and attract pollinators.
- Yellow azaleas pair well with purple or white flowering plants for striking contrast in mixed beds.
- Northern Lights hybrids (‘Mandarin Lights’) excel in cold climates (zones 3–4), while ‘Admiral Semmes’ and ‘Gold Dust’ thrive in warmer, southern regions (zones 6–9).
- Fragrant cultivars (‘Solar Flare’, ‘Daviesii’, ‘Gold Dust’) enhance sensory appeal and attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.
- Native azaleas (‘Gold Dust’) support local ecosystems, making them ideal for sustainable landscapes.