Black Hat® Rhododendron

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3 Feet

Mature Spread

3 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

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.