P.J.M. Rhododendron

Title:
P.J.M. Rhododendron

Description:
The P.J.M. Rhododendron is a standout evergreen shrub, renowned for its vibrant lavender-pink to orchid-purple blooms that blanket the plant in early spring. This compact, low-maintenance perennial is prized for its hardiness, adaptability, and year-round interest. Its lush, dark green leaves turn a striking purple-bronze in fall and winter, adding seasonal color to your landscape even after the flowers fade.

P.J.M. Rhododendron is ideal for borders, hedges, foundation plantings, or containers. Its dense, rounded form reaches 3–6 feet tall and wide, making it perfect for smaller gardens or as a colorful accent in larger landscapes. This variety is exceptionally easy to grow, thriving in full sun to partial shade and well-drained, acidic soil enriched with organic matter. It is both heat- and cold-tolerant, hardy in USDA zones 4–8, and attracts pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies.

Key Features:

• Masses of bright lavender-pink or orchid-purple blooms in early spring

• Evergreen, dark green foliage turns purple-bronze in fall and winter

• Compact, rounded habit; mature size 3–6 ft tall and wide

• Exceptional hardiness and adaptability

• Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees

• Low maintenance and easy to grow

• Hardy in USDA zones 4–8

Care Instructions:
Plant in well-drained, acidic soil rich in organic matter. Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist, especially during dry periods. Mulch to maintain soil moisture and acidity, but avoid piling mulch against the trunk. Prune right after flowering if needed. Fertilize with an acid-loving plant food after bloom. Provide protection from harsh afternoon sun and drying winter winds.

Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate; keep soil moist but not soggy
Bloom Time: Early spring
Foliage: Evergreen, dark green (purple-bronze in fall/winter)
Landscape Uses: Borders, hedges, foundation plantings, containers, mixed shrub borders
Companion Plants: Hydrangea, Holly, Astilbe, Bleeding Heart, Bog Rosemary
Toxicity: Toxic to humans and pets if ingested

Botanical Name: Rhododendron x 'P.J.M.'