Rhododendron × 'Purple Gem' (Rhododendron 'Purple Gem') gives you a dense, rounded, small-leaved evergreen shrub with abundant purple to violet flowers in spring. Use it to add year-round structure and a bright spring show in foundations, borders, or small garden beds where a full-size rhododendron would be too large.

Plant it in acidic, organic, well-drained soil that stays evenly moist. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal in many areas; it can take more sun in cooler climates, but protect it from harsh afternoon sun, drying winter wind, and hot reflected heat. A 2-3 inch mulch layer helps keep roots cool and conserves moisture; keep mulch a few inches away from the stems.

Water deeply during establishment and during dry spells, especially in summer heat. Avoid waterlogged sites, but do not let the root zone dry out completely. If your soil is alkaline, improve the planting area with generous organic matter and consider using an acid-forming fertilizer formulated for rhododendrons after flowering.

Prune only if needed, right after bloom, to maintain a tidy, compact shape. Remove spent flower trusses by hand to encourage good bud set. With the right site and soil, this dwarf cultivar matures around 24-36 inches tall and makes a reliable, low evergreen accent.

Specifications

• Cold hardiness zone: 4-8 (-30 degrees F) - Contact your local extension to confirm hardiness if you are in a fringe zone (we cannot guarantee hardiness in fringe zones)
• Light: Full sun   Part sun   Shade
• Growth rate: Slow
• Mature height: 24-36"
• Spread: 36-48"
• Evergreen: Yes

Shipping

FREE SHIPPING - Classy Groundcovers offers free shipping, and your plants never spend more than three days in transit.

Precise delivery - another benefit from shopping with us is that you know hpw to control exactly when your order will be shipped.

Shipping information that applies to all plants:
- When We Ship
- You May Specify Your Shipping Date
- Lookup Shipping Date and Tracking Information
- Special Delivery Instructions
- Changing Your Shipping Date
- Accepting Delivery
- Unpacking Your Order
- Returns

Care