Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
The PJM Elite Rhododendron is a welcome sight when it starts to bloom around late April. Large clusters of frilly, lavender flowers with slight hints of plum are beautiful and make for an excellent specimen of Rhododendron blooms. This dense plant is a prolific bloomer and will put on a stunning floral display. The flowers are offset by glossy, dark green, elliptical foliage.
Plant this shrub along a fence or foundation or create a natural border. Include in a bed or mass planting for a bright burst of springtime color. The foliage will stay in place year-round as a broadleaf perennial, so this shrub will always provide color and visual interest. This hardy Rhododendron is a perennial in USDA zones 4 through 8.
PJM Elite Rhododendron Care
Plant in partial to full shade or an area that receives at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight. The PJM Elite Rhododendron prefers rich, acidic soil that is moist but well-drained. Keep to a consistent watering schedule for new plants, but established plants only need a drink when the top few inches of soil dry out. An annual application of balanced fertilizer will get the growing season off to a good start. Top-dress the soil with organic compost or mulch to continue to support healthy growth.
Rhododendrons typically do not need much pruning but remove crossed branches and shape as necessary after the flowers fade but before next year’s buds have been set.
PJM Elite Rhododendron Spacing
The PJM Elite Rhododendron is slightly smaller than other cultivars and measures 4 to 5 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. Create a hedge or border by spacing plants 2.5 to 4 feet apart.
PJM Elite Rhododendron Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 4 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
- Full Shade to Part Sun (0-6 Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 4-5 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 3-4 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Consistently Moist
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Purple
- Flower Description
- Purple
- Bloom Time
- Early 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, Purple
- Foliage Description
- Green, Purple
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- PJM Elite Rhododendron
- Botanical Name
- RHODODENDRON X 'PJM ELITE'
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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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
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.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!