Purple Passion Rhododendron

Size

Are you looking for a vivid spring showstopper to add to your landscape? Purple Passion Rhododendron hits every mark with rich violet-colored blossoms displayed against densely packed, broad-leafed, forest-green foliage that will retain its color throughout winter. This evergreen shrub is hardy in Zones 4 through 8 and blooms May through June. With a lifespan of up to 40 years, captivate your guests and loved ones with this striking and dependable purple crowd-pleaser for decades to come. Incredibly low maintenance, this rhododendron requires no deadheading and is perfect for attracting pollinators such as bees to your landscape. The broad, rounded leaves add texture and depth to your landscape like no other rhododendron. Its exceptional blooms make it perfect for use as a statement, planting in groups, or showcasing in containers. This evergreen shrub has long legs clearing a foot off the ground, optimal for growing with a shorter groundcover plant. Purple Passion Rhododendron Care This shrub will flourish in full to partial sun away from hot and dry areas of your landscape. It can be a bit picky about soil types. It loves rich, moist but well-draining, acidic soils. If planted in alkaline soil, the leaves may turn yellow; this can be amended by adding an acidic pH modifier from any garden or hardware store. Water often, twice weekly, during the first season to aid your plant in creating a deep and healthy root system. Once properly established in your landscape, it should only need watering if it hasn't rained in about 2 or 3 weeks. After the first bloom has passed, fertilize your plant with a high-acid fertilizer. Next, apply a thick layer of mulch over the roots to help with temperature stabilization, avoiding the main stem's base. Trim back to just above a set of leaves directly after the blooms fade in late spring. Pruning at any other time, besides removing dead or diseased branches, could reduce the foliage yield and blooms the following season. Purple Passion Rhododendron Spacing This rhododendron has a height and width of 5 to 6 feet. Space your plantings with enough room to grow to their full size, about 5 feet apart. Its size makes it perfect for planting under power lines.