Abstract: Rhododendron moulmainense is a native Rhododendron tree with high ornamental value, widely distributes in Southern China, but seldom applies in urban landscape. The effects of different light conditions including full light (100% of full light), partial shade (50% of full light) and deeply shade (25% of full light) on the growth performance and physiological characteristics of pot-cultured seedlings were studied. The results showed: (1) Seedling height growth under full light was fast, but crown growth under partial shade was fast. Deeply shade would inhibit the height and crown growth of the seedlings, which resulted in higher specific leaf area and root shoot ratio. (2) Seedling leaves and buds were vulnerable to scorch in summer. The net photosynthetic rate, Fo and Fv/Fm were inhibited under full light.(3) R. moulmainense could adapt to low light condition because shade could enhance its total chlorophyll content, increase Fv/Fm, Fv/Fo, and decrease LCP.