This shrub has a slender woody branched stems that are upright and spreading forming a dense rounded habit. It has bright green oblong pointed leaves and the orange or yellowish funnel-shaped flowers appear in a terminal cluster during early spring.

Hardiness zones 5 to 9 

Rhododendron molle is naturally found in Japan from Hokkaido to Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu growing on the mountain slopes in pine forests or thickets and the adjoining grasslands from sea level to an altitude of 2500 m (7,500 ft). 

It prefers a semi-shaded to an open sunny position and grows in well-drained organic rich moist sandy to light clay loams that are tending acidic with a pH 4.5-6 and is frost tolerant but drought tender.  

The Japanese Azalea is grown for its abundant flowers and spreading habit. It is planted in parks and gardens as a lawn specimen or use along borders. It is suitable for mountainous and coastal regions establishing in 3-4 years and is moderately long-lived. This shrub and its cultivars are widely used in Japanese gardens and also planted in patio planter boxes or courtyards. ID 3604

Rhododendron (ro-do-DEN-dron) molle (MOH-lay)

'Rhododendron': from Greek rhodon + dendron - rose tree

Ericaceae (er-ek-AY-see-ee)
Bilberries, Blueberries,Cranberies, Heathers, Heaths, Rhododendrons, Wintergreens