Purpureum Elegans Rhododendron

Rhododendron 'Purpureum Elegans'

Purpureum Elegans Rhododendron is a dense, upright mounding evergreen shrub and leathery dark green foliage.  Large clusters of lightly fragrant violet flowers with burgundy freckles bloom in mid spring.  A very versatile plant that prefers morning or part sun with acidic rich, well-drained soils.  

MAINTENANCE NEEDS:  A low maintenance plant.  Moderate water needs, properly drained soils is a must to avoid root rot.  Mulch helps to keep roots from drying out. Keep away from drip lines of the walnut family. Acidify soils as needed (PH range of 5 to 6.5) Can use sulfur or iron sulfate to lower ph, and lime or limestone to raise PH. Buds grow on old growth in winter, so if need to prune do so after the spring bloom.  Southern climates with excessive humidity are more prone to powdery mildew, twig blights, and rust. 

LANDSCAPE USES:  Mass or Specimen Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Foundation Plantings, Hedges, and Containers.

COMPANION PLANTS: Hydrangea, Viburnum, Camelia

IMAGES: Famartin, 2020-05-18 18 06 44 Purpureum Elegans Rhododendron flower along Tranquility Court in the Franklin Farm section of Oak Hill, Fairfax County, Virginia, CC BY-SA 4.0, (2) Photo by David J. Stang, Rhododendron Purpureum Elegans 6zz, CC BY-SA 4.0, (3) Famartin, 2020-05-18 18 06 26 Purpureum Elegans Rhododendron starting to bloom along Tranquility Court in the Franklin Farm section of Oak Hill, Fairfax County, Virginia, CC BY-SA 4.0

*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown