Lee's Dark Purple Rhododendron

Light Needs

Full Shade to Partial Sun

(0 - 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

6-7 Feet

Mature Spread

7-8 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 8

Rhododendrons are known for providing dependable color while requiring little care, and Lee's Dark Purple Rhododendron lives up to this reputation. Dark purple flowers have lavender throats and add drama to a landscape. This plant blooms during late May and sets buds for the next year during the fall. The leathery foliage is dark green and complements the intensity of the flowers.

The size of Lee's Dark Purple Rhododendron makes it a natural choice for a border or hedge. Create a privacy screen on a property line or near a patio, or feature it in a bed or mass planting. Rhododendrons keep their foliage year-round, so the plant continues to provide greenery and texture throughout the winter. This shrub is reliably hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8.

Lee's Dark Purple Rhododendron Care

Plant the Lee's Dark Purple Rhododendron in partial sun to full shade. An area that receives 4 to 6 hours of sunlight is preferred. This plant likes moist but not soggy soil, so make sure the soil drains. Established plants do not need water often but water during a dry spell to support continued growth. Apply a slow-release, acidic fertilizer in the spring.

Deadheading isn’t needed, and this Rhododendron naturally maintains a nice, rounded shape, so pruning is unnecessary. Shape the plant as required after the flowers fade but before the plant sets new buds in the fall.

Lee's Dark Purple Rhododendron Spacing

This large, upright perennial will reach 6 to 7 feet tall and 7 to 8 feet wide. The Lee's Dark Purple Rhododendron makes an excellent hedge or privacy screen, and shrubs can be spaced about 6 feet apart to create a dense or continuous planting.