Purple Gem Rhododendron

Rhododendron 'Purple Gem'

Purple Gem Rhododendron is a dwarf mounding evergreen shrub with dense, glossy dark green foliage that emerges blue green and earns copper tones in winter.  Clusters of clear violet flowers bloom from mid to late spring.  A very versatile plant that prefers partial sun, particularly in hot climates, with rich, well-drained acidic soils. 

MAINTENANCE NEEDS:  Low maintenance.  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) Southern climates with excessive humidity are more prone to powdery mildew, twig blights, and rust.  Azaleas are prone to many diseases and pest problems, but the proper environment and care should negate most of them.

LANDSCAPE USES:   Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Wildlife Gardens, Foundational Plantings, Hedges, and Containers.

COMPANION PLANTS: Camelia, Liriope,  Japanese Maple

IMAGES: Famartin, 2019-04-06 12 57 24 A blooming Purple Gem Rhododendron along Dairy Lou Drive in the Franklin Farm section of Oak Hill, Fairfax County, Virginia, CC BY-SA 4.0, (2) Famartin, 2017-04-07 14 43 14 'Purple Gem' Rhododendron blooming along Tranquility Court in the Franklin Farm section of Oak Hill, Fairfax County, Virginia, CC BY-SA 4.0, (3) Dearness Gardens Nursery, Purple Gem Rhododendron

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