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

Golden Lights Rhododendron (Azalea) vs Opata Cherry Plum

Rhododendron x Golden Lights

Prunus besseyi x salicina Opata

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

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

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Golden Lights Rhododendron (Azalea)
Opata Cherry Plum

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.

Opata Cherry Plum is considered to be one of the best tasting Cherry Plum varieties. It has a pleasant, sweet flavour and a hint of acidity. They ripen in mid to late August and are well suited to fresh eating, baking, and preserves.

The fruit is closer to a plum than a cherry but is smaller than most plums.The Opata Cherry Plum’s skin is red/green whereas the flesh is yellow-green. The flesh is freestone with a juicy, firm texture. Similar to other stone fruits, it does not store for very long.

The Opata Cherry Plum is a hybrid between a Western Sand Cherry and a Japanese (Chinese) Plum. For fruit production, it needs to be planted with another variety for cross-pollination. Canada Plum and American Plum are considered universal pollinizers.

Golden Lights Rhododendron (Azalea) Quick Facts

Opata Cherry Plum Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 2a
Height: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: Bronze to red
Fruit size: 3 cm in diameter
Flavor: pleasant and sweet, hint of acidity
Harvest: mid to late August
Flowers: large, yellow/gold
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Maintenance: medium
Maintenance: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium



Toxicity: All parts of a rhododendron bush, including the leaves, stems and blooms, are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.

Other Names: opata chum, opata plum cherry