Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
PJM Elite Star Rhododendron is a compact evergreen shrub with four seasons of interest and exceptional hardiness. This rhodie features masses of vivid lilac-colored flowers in the spring. The blooms are held in clusters of 4-9 flowers per stem. This shrub has glossy, dark green leaves that turn reddish purple in the fall. Due to its outstanding performance in home hardens, the American Rhododendron Society gave PJM Elite Star a Rhododendron of the Year Award.
This rhododendron grows in a densely branched, rounded shape, reaching 4 - 5 feet high and wide. It is evergreen and exhibits impressive cold hardiness for a rhodie, down to zone 4. It is rabbit resistant and more heat tolerant than other varieties. Its flowers support butterflies, bees and hummingbirds in the spring. Plant several of them to make a hedge that looks good year-round, or use them in a foundation planting to beautify the entrance of your home.
PJM Elite Star Rhododendron Care
PJM Elite performs best in part shade with protection from hot afternoon sun. It requires consistent moisture, but it is not particular about soil texture. It grows best in slightly acidic soil. Water plants at least weekly in the summer to establish a strong root system. Apply a thick layer of organic compost to keep the roots cool and protected over the winter.
Prune after blooming in late spring to control for size. Removing spent flowers will promote new growth.
PJM Elite Star Rhododendron Spacing
Space these shrubs 5 feet apart, center on center, for mass planting. Space them closer together, e.g., 4 feet apart, if you prefer branches from adjacent plants to touch.
PJM Elite Star 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
- Part Shade to Part Sun (3-6 Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 4-5 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 4-5 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Mounded
- Water Needs
- Consistently Moist
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Pink, Purple
- Flower Description
- Rounded clusters of vibrant lavender-pink, lilac-purple, or magenta flowers
- 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
- Foliage Description
- Dark Green
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- PJM Elite Star Rhododendron
- Botanical Name
- RHODODENDRON X 'PJM ELITE STAR'
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!