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Rhododendron occidentale 'Irene Koster' | Irene Koster Rhododendron

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DESCRIPTION
Rhododendron occidentale ‘Irene Koster’ is a deciduous azalea with fresh green leaves and a graceful, airy look in the growing season. In late spring, very fragrant, tubular funnel-shaped flowers open from buds marked with darker pink striping. The blooms are white to light rose-pink, highlighted by a showy yellow blotch and warm orange-brown spotting on the upper petals.

Introduced by Koster & Sons of Holland around the late 1800’s as part of the Occidentale hybrid group, ‘Irene Koster’ has remained popular for its perfume and generous spring bloom. Its flowers suit woodland borders, mixed shrub plantings, and areas near paths or seating where the fragrance can be enjoyed.

DESCRIPTION
Rhododendron occidentale ‘Irene Koster’ is a deciduous azalea with fresh green leaves and a graceful, airy look in the growing season. In late spring, very fragrant, tubular funnel-shaped flowers open from buds marked with darker pink striping. The blooms are white to light rose-pink, highlighted by a showy yellow blotch and warm orange-brown spotting on the upper petals.

Introduced by Koster & Sons of Holland around the late 1800’s as part of the Occidentale hybrid group, ‘Irene Koster’ has remained popular for its perfume and generous spring bloom. Its flowers suit woodland borders, mixed shrub plantings, and areas near paths or seating where the fragrance can be enjoyed.

  • Family: Ericaceae
    Height: 6 to 8 ft
    Width: 4 to 6 ft
    Foliage color: Deciduous green leaves that may exhibit autumn color before dropping
    Flower color: Fragrant pale pink to light rose-pink blooms with yellow-gold blotches and subtle orange spotting
    Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
    Light requirements: Full sun to part shade
    Water requirements: Moderate
    Maintenance: Low to moderate; little pruning needed beyond removing spent flowers
    Growing zone: USDA zones 5 to 9
    Wildlife attractors: Flowers attract bees and other pollinators, including hummingbirds

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  • Works Well In:
    ‍ ‍ ● Sun Gardens
    ‍ ‍ ● Foundation Plantings
    ‍ ‍ ● Fragrant Gardens
    ‍ ‍ ● Hummingbird Gardens

    Companion Plants:
         Camas             Mexican orange blossom
         Bee balm         Maiden grass
         Sea thrift          Flowering quince

    Design Tip:
    Bring ‘Irene Koster’ close to a patio, entry, or garden path where its strong fragrance becomes part of the spring experience. Its airy deciduous form also pairs naturally with denser evergreens, preventing a larger shrub grouping from feeling overly solid or heavy.