Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Black Hat® Rhododendron (Rhododendron x) has ruffled lavender flowers that are some of the first flowers in spring. They keep blooming longer than other early rhododendrons. The evergreen foliage is leathery and a deep purple-green, so it provides interest all year long.
This shrub was developed by Dr. Tom Ranney at NCSU. It has an upright growth habit and can be used as a border plant, in the landscape, in mass plantings, and as a specimen plant. Black Hat® Rhododendron is native to the temperate regions of Asia, North America, and Europe and the tropical regions of northern Australia and southeast Asia. It is hardy in zones 4a-8b.
Black Hat® Rhododendron Care
Black Hat® Rhododendron is easy to maintain. Plant in full sun or part sun. The soil has to be acidic and well-drained. The shrub prefers moderate to moist soil moisture. Fertilize with a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving trees and shrubs in the early spring as new growth appears.
The bushes should only be pruned selectively to remove dead branches and only after it blooms. Most of the time, you will not have to prune it at all.
Black Hat® Rhododendron Spacing
Black Hat® Rhododendron is a compact little shrub, growing to 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide. When planting, allow 3 feet between the shrubs, center on center. Also, leave 3 feet between this plant and other plants or structures to allow for proper air circulation and enough room for the roots when the plant is fully mature.
Black Hat® Rhododendron Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 4 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Sun to Full Sun (5+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 3 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 3 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Consistently Moist
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Purple
- Flower Description
- Purple
- Bloom Time
- Early Spring
- Blooms On
-
Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Right after flowering
- Foliage Color
- Foliage Description
- Dark Green, with Purple and Black
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering, Winter Interest, 3 Season Interest, 4 Season Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Black Hat® Rhododendron
- Botanical Name
- Rhododendron x 'NCRX2' USPP 31,898, Can PBRAF
- Brand
- Proven Winners
- Plant Type
- Shrub
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!