- 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.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
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
2.5 Quart
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
#1 Pot
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
#2 Pot
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
#3 Pot
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
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
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