Evergreen

Rhododendron 'Lee's Dark Purple'

Rhododendron hybrid 'Lee's Dark Purple'

Rhododendron 'Lee's Dark Purple' forms a dense evergreen shrub with dark purple flowers in spring and foliage that holds its place through winter. It reaches about 6 feet in ten years and can mature around 6 to 7 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide, so give it room in a woodland border or foundation grouping. In Southwest Washington, choose partial shade or filtered light and acidic, organic soil that stays moist without remaining saturated. Mulch its shallow roots and water during dry summer spells. Good drainage matters especially in winter, when wet roots raise the risk of root rot.

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At a glance

Mature height: About 6–7 ft; around 6 ft in ten years
Mature spread: About 6–8 ft
Light: Partial shade to filtered shade
Hardiness: Cold hardy to about −15°F

The right plant, the right place

Make room for something good.

Its dense evergreen growth suits a woodland border, shrub grouping, or foundation planting. Allow for a broad mature shrub rather than relying on regular shearing.

Where to plant

Choose partial shade or filtered light away from hot, exposed sites. Set the shrub high in a well-drained bed and avoid cultivating around its shallow roots.

Through the seasons

Dark purple flowers appear in spring. Evergreen foliage provides structure through winter.

Southwest Washington gardens

Give it a good start.

Southwest Washington's wet winters make drainage especially important, while dry summer spells call for watering. Check exposed plants for lace bug damage.

Soil, drainage & water

Provide acidic, organic soil that holds moisture but drains well. Keep the root zone evenly moist without leaving it saturated.

A little care goes a long way

Growing well, season after season.

Mulch over the shallow roots and water during dry spells. Remove spent flower clusters where practical, and prune lightly after bloom only when needed.

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