Why Yakushimanum Hybrids?

Compact Yak FCC
Close-up of pale pink deciduous azaleas with green leaves. The flowers have multiple layers of delicate petals and visible stamens, surrounded by abundant foliage. One of the benefits of these azaleas is their vibrant blooming season, which adds beauty to any garden.
A large deciduous azalea shrub with clusters of white and pink flowers, surrounded by lush green leaves, features prominently in the garden setting.
Yak FCC Rhododendron

Exploring the Charm of Yakushimanum Hybrids: The Rolls Royce of Rhododendrons

Yakushimanum hybrids hold a special place in the hearts of gardening enthusiasts worldwide, renowned for their compact growth, stunning blooms, and unique foliage. These hybrids are a testament to nature’s beauty and resilience, earning them the title of the Rolls Royce of rhododendrons. Among these esteemed varieties is the Yak FCC Rhododendron, a global favourite celebrated for its charming pale pink buds that gracefully unfold into stunning blush-colored flowers. Awarded a prestigious first-class certificate at a Royal Horticulture show, the Yak FCC Rhododendron stands as a testament to its superior form and foliage, captivating gardeners with its elegant allure. Dive into the fascinating world of Yakushimanum hybrids and discover why these remarkable plants are treasured in gardens everywhere.

A Glimpse into History

Before World War II, a Japanese botanist introduced two plants from the island of Yakushima to England. This species, Rhododendron yakushimanum, forms a small, dome-shaped, slow-growing plant that thrives in full sun. Its compact habit, hardiness, and disease resistance make it an ideal seed parent for numerous hybrids. The pink flowers, which fade to white, cover the bush during the flowering season, creating a breathtaking display.

Why We Love Yakushimanum Hybrids

Yakushimanum hybrids are cherished for several reasons:

  • Thrip Resistance: They are resistant to thrips, a common pest, thanks to the indumentum and tomentum that grace the top surface of their leaves during the summer. This unique feature not only enhances their visual appeal but also fortifies them against common garden pests, ensuring a thriving and healthy plant.
  • Compact Growth: These hybrids naturally grow in a topiary ball shape without requiring pruning, making them ideal for formal gardens. The Yak FCC Rhododendron, for instance, stands at a modest height of about 1 meter and forms a dense, rounded mound.
  • Structure and Form: They provide amazing structure in garden designs. Their compact stature and beautiful form make them a sought-after choice among gardening enthusiasts.
Close-up of two leaves covered in black spots caused by sooty mold, revealing garden terrors and plant disease or pest infestation.
Close up of thrip infestation.
Side-by-side comparison of two Tiny Garden Terrors on a green leaf and a beige surface, each with elongated bodies and prominent antennae.
Close-up image of a plant showing new light green leaves emerging from a central stem, with mature leaves visible in the background. Make sure to stay vigilant against garden terrors like thrips that can damage these beautiful plants.

Sun Tolerance and Versatility

Renwned for their ability to withstand partial sun exposure, Yakushimanum hybrids, including the Yak FCC Rhododendron, are evergreen shrubs from Japan that exhibit a slow growth pattern. Their versatility shines as they reach a height and width of 1 meter, making them an ideal choice for small gardens or container cultivation.

Ideal Growing Conditions

These hybrids tolerate full sun and partial shade, but the soil must be sufficiently moist. They thrive in acidic, humus-rich, loose, water-permeable, and air-permeable soil. However, they do not tolerate waterlogging. This adaptability makes them suitable for various garden settings, adding to their popularity among gardeners.

Growth and Allure of the Yak FCC Rhododendron

Evergreen Yakushimanum rhododendrons, including the Yak FCC variety, grow slowly and remain very compact, not exceeding 1.2 meters in height. Yak FCC Rhododendron stands at a modest height of about 1 meter, showcasing its compact growth habit and forming a dense dome that’s 50% wider than it is tall. The decorative buds, covered in white-grey fuzz, and the velvety, lanceolate leaves that curve downwards are particularly eye-catching. Initially, the leaves feature a white felt-like hairs covering on both sides, which later remains only on the underside as a light brown felt. In October, the delicate pale pink buds of Yak FCC transform into captivating blush white blooms, adorning gardens with an irresistible elegance. This variety’s exceptional form and foliage add an unmatched allure to any landscape, making it a sought-after choice among gardening enthusiasts.

Leaf Tomentum and Indumentum: Nature’s Unique Touch

Close-up of a plant with thick, elongated leaves. The inner leaves have a dusty, white indumentum coating, while the outer leaves are green. The center shows a budding flower.
Example: Tomentum
Close-up of a plant with elongated green leaves, displaying some reddish-brown discoloration and a cluster of small, red buds at its center, lightly covered in indumentum.
Example: Tomentum
A close-up of a hand holding a leaf to compare with green leaves and a bud on a branch of a plant, with white flowers in the background, reveals delicate tomentum covering the surface.
Example: Indumentum

One of the distinguishing features of Yakushimanum hybrids is the presence of leaf tomentum. This frosting of white hairs appears on the uppermost surface of emerging leaves and is often mistaken for a disease. However, it is entirely harmless and specific to certain Yakushimanum species and their hybrids. The tomentum typically disappears soon after the leaf has emerged or when the rains come, with its biological function likely maintaining separation between new leaves, it now is an effect insect and fungus deterrent. Rhododendron collectors even find tomentum to be an attractive feature which ranges in colour from silver (high Society) tan (Yak FCC) or even a burnt orange (Neato).

In addition to tomentum, Yakushimanum hybrids also exhibit indumentum, a light covering of very fine hairs on the leaves. This is more commonly seen on the underside of the leaves, creating an attractive contrast when the leaves are moved by the wind. Indumentum can range in colours.

What sets the Yak FCC apart is its remarkable resistance to thrips, attributed to the indumentum and tomentum that grace the top surface of its leaves during the summer. This unique feature not only enhances its visual appeal but also fortifies it against common garden pests, ensuring a thriving and healthy plant.

Sun Tolerance and Versatility

Renowned for their ability to withstand partial sun exposure, Yakushimanum hybrids, including the Yak FCC Rhododendron, are evergreen shrubs from Japan that exhibit a slow growth pattern. Their versatility shines as they reach a height and width of 1 meter, making them an ideal choice for small gardens or container cultivation.

Ideal Growing Conditions

These hybrids tolerate full sun and partial shade, but the soil must be sufficiently moist. They thrive in acidic, humus-rich, loose, water-permeable, and air-permeable soil. However, they do not tolerate waterlogging. This adaptability makes them suitable for various garden settings, adding to their popularity among gardeners.

Final Thoughts

Rhododendron yakushimanum hybrids are a group of evergreen hybrid rhododendrons that offer compact growth, spring blooms, and attractive foliage. They are perfect for small gardens and well-suited for container growing. With their hardiness, disease resistance, and stunning appearance, Yakushimanum hybrids truly stand out in the world of rhododendrons. We have several of these listed on the website, and the quickest way to find out all the varieties that we have  with Yak in them is to go to the thrip-resistant section, Thrip resistant Archives – RhodoDirect: Buy Rhododendrons Online in New Zealand