SCIENTIFIC NAME: Rhododendron x 'NCRX2', USPP 31,898, Can 7,259

COMMON NAME: Black Hat® Rhododendron

GARDEN SIZE: 3' tall x 3' wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

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, Compact

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; Dark green to purple-black, especially in cooler weather

FLOWERS: Ruffled lavender-purple clusters; early spring to mid spring; blooms on old wood

PLANT ORIGIN: Hybrid

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