Lee's Dark Purple Rhododendron

Lee's Dark Purple Rhododendron is an evergreen shrub with a mounding growth and glossy deep green foliage.  Large clusters of wavy edged, violet purple flowers with ochre speckling bloom in mid spring.  A very versatile plant that prefers partial sun, particularly in hot climates, with acidic rich, well-drained 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: Photo by David J. Stang, Rhododendron catawbiense Lees Dark Purple 1zz,CC BY-SA 4.0, (2) OSU Landscape Plants, Rhododendron 'Lee's Dark Purple'

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