Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
The deepest burgundy flowers of any Rhododendron can be found on Dark Lord. The large bundles of trumpet flowers set off the equally dark green foliage perfectly. This Rhododendron would make a great single specimen shrub in a Cottage Garden or part of a larger “collection” of Rhododendrons in an established woodland garden. The mid-May blooming puts Dark Lord in the middle of the Rhododendron blooming season.
Rhododendrons for the most part are self-cleaning. Their large blooms fall off when they are ready exposing the buds that will grow for next year. Deadheading makes them look more tidy, but it needs to be done carefully so the new buds are not disturbed. Beneficial pollinators flock to Rhododendrons not only because they are early bloomers, but the shape and giant size of the blooms make it easy for bees as well as hummingbirds to collect nectar.
Dark Lord Rhododendron Care
Rhododendrons need almost no care to look their best after they have been established. Plant them in average, well drained soil that is on the acidic side. Regular waiting the first couple years will be needed to get a nice strong root base. Longer watering less often will encourage their notoriously shallow growing roots to seek water deeper. Using drip irrigation or a soaker hose will help to keep the trunk and leaves dry. Rhododendrons do not like to have wet leaves.
Rhododendrons like to be in a shadier spot the higher the hardiness zone. Especially beneficial would be late afternoon shade in the hotter climates to give the evergreen shrubs a chance to rest from the heat of the day. Protection from winter winds in the lower hardiness zones may be needed. Planting in a protected spot that gets plenty of sun will be best for the colder climates.
Dark Lord Rhododendron Spacing
Dark Lord is a medium sized Rhododendron and is useful either at the back of a smaller garden planting or in groups in the middle of a larger woodland setting. The overall size is a height of 5-8 feet with a width of 5-8 feet. Spacing is recommended at 6 feet on center. Container growing Rhododendrons will help to keep them smaller, if that is the goal. A deep pot that has at least a 24 inch diameter is needed.
Dark Lord Rhododendron Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 5 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 Shade to Part Sun (3-6 Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 5-8 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 5-8 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Consistently Moist
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Purple
- Flower Description
- Purple
- Bloom Time
- Late 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
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Dark Lord Rhododendron
- Botanical Name
- RHODODENDRON 'DARK LORD'
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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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.
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