Rhododendron, P.J.M. Elite Rhododendron 'P.J.M. Elite' Height: 4 feet Spread: 4 feet
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Hardiness Zone: 4a Group/Class: P.J.M. Series Description: A beautiful broadleaf evergreen shrub with showy pink flowers in spring and an upright habit, very hardy, interesting fall coloration; absolutely must have well-drained, highly acidic and organic soil, use plenty of soil amendment when planting Ornamental Features Rhododendron, P.J.M. Elite is draped in stunning clusters of lightly-scented fuchsia trumpet-shaped flowers with lavender overtones at the ends of the branches in early spring. It has green evergreen foliage. The narrow leaves turn an outstanding purple in the fall, which persists throughout the winter. Landscape Attributes Rhododendron, P.J.M. Elite is an open multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage. This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It has no significant negative characteristics. Rhododendron, P.J.M. Elite is recommended for the following landscape applications; Planting & Growing Rhododendron, P.J.M. Elite will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It tends to be a little leggy, with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more. This shrub does best in partial shade to shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. This plant should be periodically fertilized throughout the active growing season with a specially-formulated acidic fertilizer. It is particular about its soil conditions, with a strong preference for rich, acidic soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. Special Attributes Evergreens need to be watered during the winter. Our desert climate especially in late winter to early spring evergreens can suffer during next growing season. An easy way to remember check for dryness on the holidays Halloween, Thanksgiving, New Year's Day, Valentines Day & Easter.
