- Partial Shade to Partial Sun (3 - 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 5 - 8 Feet
- Mature Spread 5 - 8 Feet
- Growing Zones 5 - 8
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 Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 8 |
Plant Type: |
Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Partial Sun |
Mature Height: 5 - 8 Feet |
Mature Spread: 5 - 8 Feet |
Spacing: 5 - 8 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): Purple |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: Early May |
Foliage Type: Evergreen |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Rabbit |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: Bees |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Low Maintenance |
Brand: |
Common Name: Dark Lord Rhododendron |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: RHODODENDRON `DARK LORD` |
- SKU:
- 1231007844-pc
Container Sizes
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.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.