One of the most lovely of all species that is from one island in Japan. Rhododendron degronianum ssp. yakushimanum 'Yaku Angel' is a very compact growing shrub with shiny dark green foliage. The foliage has a 'suade' coating under the leaves, and in spring has a dusty white coating called tomentum that they believe is a natural insect proofing. This white coating wears off by mid summer leaving the leaves very dark-green and lusterous. The plant flowers heavily in mid April with pure white flower and sometimes a bit of red spotting inside. It is hardy to -15 degrees F, and will only be 2 ft tall and wide in 10 years. Drought tolerant once established.
