Evergreen

Ramapo rhododendron

Rhododendron 'Ramapo'

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Rhododendron 'Ramapo' is a compact, mounded evergreen with small violet-purple flowers in spring and blue-gray new leaves that darken through winter. It generally reaches 1–3 feet tall and 2–4 feet wide; a ten-year height estimate of about 16–24 inches is an interim size, not its mature limit. Its low profile suits containers, small gardens, and the front of a border, with room for its eventual width. In Southwest Washington, give it full sun to partial shade and acidic, moist but well-drained soil. Check moisture during dry summers and avoid sites that stay saturated in winter. Flowers can draw bees and hummingbirds.

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At a glance

Mature height: Generally 1–3 ft
Mature spread: Generally 2–4 ft
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Hardiness: H6 (UK hardiness rating)

The right plant, the right place

Make room for something good.

Place this low, mounded evergreen in a container, small garden, or the front of a border. Allow for an eventual spread of about 2–4 feet.

Where to plant

Choose full sun to partial shade. A partially shaded site may reduce the lace bug pressure associated with sunnier rhododendron plantings.

Through the seasons

Small violet-purple flowers appear in spring. New blue-gray to blue-green foliage darkens in winter.

Southwest Washington gardens

Give it a good start.

In Southwest Washington, monitor rhododendrons for lace bug damage, especially on sunny sites. Avoid winter-saturated soil, which raises concern for root rot.