PJM Elite Rhododendron
Rhododendron 'PJM Elite'
Rhododendron 'PJM Elite'
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Foliage: Burgundy Fruit: Insignificant Habit/Form: Rounded Uses: Mass planting, foundation, borders |
Zone Hardiness: 4
Plant Height: 5 - 6 ft Plant Width: 4 - 5 ft Light: Sun/part shade Growth Rate: Slow to moderate |
Highly popular in North America and exceptionally cold hardy, PJM Elite is a vigorous and showy evergreen shrub. In mid to late spring, it bears abundant rounded clusters of lightly-scented fuchsia trumpet-shaped flowers with lavender overtones at the ends of the branches. The foliage of elliptic, glossy, ark green leaves turns reddish-purple in fall in winter. A very reliable performer. The PJM hybrids are vigorous, compact, rounded, small-leaved evergreen shrubs noted for their exceptional winter hardiness. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth, but will die in standing water. It is very fussy about its soil conditions and must have rich, acidic soils to ensure success. Like most rhododendrons, it prefers morning sun and afternoon shade, although this variety can take more sun than most. Pruning, if desired, may be done after flowering. This plant is resistant to browsing by rabbits.