Purple Gem Dwarf Rhododendron – 3 Gallon Pot

---

Flowering Period: Spring

Flower Type: Single, in rounded clusters

Fragrant Flowers: No

Foliage Color: Olive Green

Fragrant Foliage: No

Berries: No

Berry Color: NA

Attracts: Butterflies, Visual Attention

Resistances: Cold (-20F), Humidity, Insect

A dwarf evergreen Rhododendron ideal for smaller spaces, what ‘Purple Gem’ lacks in size it makes up for in flower power. In mid to late spring, abundant clusters of stunning, very pretty, lightly scented violet-purple flowers cover the dense mound of foliage. New leaves emerge light blue-green in spring maturing to a glossy olive green and then to an attractive coppery color in winter. One of those flowering shrubs that will always have you looking forward to spring. 

Growing 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide over time, the Purple Gem Rhododendron is ideal for use as an accent in smaller garden spaces or in groupings or as a natural low hedge in larger landscape spaces. As with its larger cousins, it does especially well on fertile embankments. Can also be grown in pot for situating on partially shaded patios, decks and even balconies. A fine addition to purple theme gardens, rhododendron and azalea gardens, Asian or zen gardens, and woodland gardens.

Suggested Spacing:  2.5 to 3 feet apart for solid hedges;  6 feet or more apart for space between plants

When it comes to success growing Rhododendrons, a little good advice goes a long way. When planted right and in the right spot, Rhododendrons are very easy to grow and care for. 

Rhododendrons thrive in a moist but well-drained acidic soil that is rich in organic matter and part shade; preferable morning sun with afternoon shade or heavily filtered sun. All day dappled shade is fine as well. Keep in mind that whether growing in the ground or in containers, constantly soggy or wet soil is problematic for Rhododendrons, and most other plants for that matter. Some soils, such as heavy clay, quick-draining sand, or otherwise poor soils, might need to be amended to provide sufficient nutrients, better soil drainage, and/or moisture retention. In containers, select a pot with a drainage hole(s) and use a 50/50 blend of professional potting mix and potting soil. Avoid using any native soil in pots. Feed Rhododendrons after they bloom with an acid-loving formula such as an Azalea, Camellia & Rhododendron Food.