SCIENTIFIC NAME: Rhododendron x 'P.J.M. Elite'

COMMON NAME: P.J.M. Elite Rhododendron

GARDEN SIZE: 5-6 ft. tall, 5-6 ft. wide

GROWTH RATE: Slow

USDA ZONE: 4-8

EXPOSURE: Full to Partial Shade.

WATER & SOIL: Keep soil moist but well-drained (no wet feet); prefers humus-rich, acidic soil. Avoid heavy clay.

HABIT (FORM): Upright

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; small, dark green leaves turn mahogany-brown in winter

FLOWERS: Lavender-pink from March through April

PLANT ORIGIN: Hybrid (R. carolinianum and R. dauricum var. sempervirens)

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May provide some nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals, but does not serve as much of a host for local insects and wildlife. May provide food for insects in the spring.

FERTILIZING: Apply a fertilizer for acid-loving plants in the early spring.

PRUNING: Remove spent flower clusters immediately after the blooms finish. Pruning is not usually needed or recommended, but may be done right after blooming is finished in late spring or early summer.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.

USES: Hedge, Foundation planting, Specimen