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Deciduous Shrubs
Rhododendron quinquefolium
quinquefolium azalea
Ericaceae
Japan (Honshu and Shikoku); montane deciduous forests at 2,000–6,000 feet (600–1,800 m)
At a Glance
TypeShrub
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height6–12 feet (1.8–3.7 m)
Width5–10 feet (1.5–3 m)
Maturity12 years
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
5 - 8Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy
Key Features
Attracts Pollinators
Maintenancelow
Overview
Rhododendron quinquefolium is a deciduous azalea native to Japan, grown for its refined foliage arrangement and spring flowers. Shrubs reach 6–12 feet (1.8–3.7 m) tall and 5–10 feet (1.5–3 m) wide at maturity over many years; growth rate is slow, 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) per year. The habit is upright and openly branched with a somewhat tiered appearance. The most distinctive feature is the foliage: leaves are arranged in whorls of 5 at the branch tips, each leaf 1–2.5 inches (2.5–6.3 cm) long, rhombic to obovate, with margins fringed with fine hairs. New foliage in spring is edged with reddish-purple, transitioning to green, and turning orange to deep red in autumn. Flowers appear in April–May as the leaves are expanding: 1–3 per cluster at branch tips, broadly funnel-shaped, white with green or olive-green spots on the upper lobe, 1.2–1.6 inches (3–4 cm) across. The combination of 5-whorled leaves, white spotted flowers, and strong fall color distinguishes this from most other azaleas in cultivation. All parts are toxic to humans and animals if ingested.
Native Range
Rhododendron quinquefolium is native to Japan, occurring in montane deciduous forests on Honshu and Shikoku, typically at elevations of 2,000–6,000 feet (600–1,800 m). It is not native to the Pacific Northwest.Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen or understory shrub in woodland gardens, Japanese-inspired gardens, and sheltered borders, spaced 5–7 feet (1.5–2.1 m) from adjacent plants. The 5-whorled leaf arrangement, white spotted spring flowers, and strong fall color provide three seasons of interest. Best suited to partly shaded, moist, acidic west-side Pacific Northwest conditions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 12'
Width/Spread5' - 10'
Reaches mature size in approximately 12 years
Colors
Flower Colors
white
green
Foliage Colors
green
Fall Foliage Colors
orange
red
Bloom Information
Bloom Period
~3 weeksJ
F
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Spring
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white with green spots on upper lobeFoliage Description
new growth red-purple edged, maturing to green; orange to deep red fall colorGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Partial Shade
Full Shade
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Soil Requirements
pH Range4.5 - 6.0(Acidic)
357912
Soil Types
loampeat
Drainage
well drained
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Medium
Frost Tolerance
hardy
Time to Maturity
8–15 years
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Water weekly during the first two growing seasons; established shrubs require consistent moisture and do not tolerate drought. Prefers cool, moist, acidic, well-drained soils with high organic matter; shallow-rooted and sensitive to soil compaction. Partial shade is recommended — direct afternoon sun bleaches flower color and stresses plants. Mulch with 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) of wood chips to maintain soil moisture and moderate temperature. No serious pest or disease problems in cool Pacific Northwest conditions. All parts are toxic to humans and animals if ingested.Pruning
Prune immediately after flowering to preserve the following year's buds. The open, tiered habit requires minimal pruning. Remove dead or damaged branches at any time. Hard rejuvenation pruning is tolerated but sets back flowering for 2–3 years.Pruning Schedule
J
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late spring