Canada Plum vs Golden Lights Rhododendron (Azalea) - TreeTime.ca

Canada Plum vs Golden Lights Rhododendron (Azalea)

Prunus nigra

Rhododendron x Golden Lights

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

(we don't know if or when this product will be restocked)

Canada Plum
Golden Lights Rhododendron (Azalea)

Canada Plum is a cold-hardy wild plum native to North America with small red fruit. They ripen in mid to late summer, with bitter, astringent skin surrounding sweet, slightly acidic flesh that clings to the stone. While some enjoy eating the plums fresh, they are more commonly used for baking and preserves. It is considered a universal pollinizer for other plum varieties and is often used for grafting or as a rootstock.

White to pink flowers appear in spring, often before the leaves, providing an early source of nectar and pollen for native bees and other pollinators. Birds and other wildlife also feed on the fruit, adding to its ecological value. Canada Plum can grow as a small tree or large, multi-stemmed shrub. It is well suited to a variety of projects, including fruit orchards for cross-pollination, as well as pollinator plantings, naturalization, and restoration projects.

Golden Lights Rhododendron is an exceptionally cold hardy, deciduous azalea. Part of the Northern Lights Series, this shrub was cultivated specifically to withstand harsh winters, making it ideal for our prairie climate.

In late spring you'll be drawn to its beautiful, golden, sweetly fragrant flowers. Pruning is recommended after the flowers are spent to control the size and shape of this shrub.

Consider Golden Lights Rhododendron when planning your next hedge, or plant it on its own as a striking specimen plant.

Canada Plum Quick Facts

Golden Lights Rhododendron (Azalea) Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 4a
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Height: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: low
Maintenance: medium


Toxicity: All parts of a rhododendron bush, including the leaves, stems and blooms, are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.
Fall colour: attractive yellow, gold
Fall colour: Bronze to red
Bark: grey and scaly with age
Flowers: white
Flowers: large, yellow/gold
Fruit: under 1 inch round yellow fruits with red blush to completely red, tart skin with sweet flesh
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: MB, ON, QC, NB
Other Names: american plum, black plum, canada plum, horse plum, wild plum