Rhododendron ‘Purple Gem’
Rhododendron - Purple Gem
A lepidote, dwarf growing Rhododendron. Masses of small bright purple-violet flowers. Blooms early midseason. New foliage emerges bluish-green, transitioning to an olive green by summer and a bronze colour during winter. Compact and dense, grows 2′ high by 3′ wide in a 10 year period.
Additional information
| Exposure | Filtered Light, Part Sun |
|---|---|
| Zone | H1 |
Origin
Hybrid seedling of Rhododendron minus var minus (Carolinianum Group) and Rhododendron fastigiatum. Originally crossed by Joseph B. Gable of Pennsylvania. Selected by Guy Nearing of New Jersey in 1958.
Special Notes
Exposure: Morning Sun, afternoon shade or all day filtered light. Protect from the hot mid-day sun. Protect from the prevailing winter winds, plant in a sheltered location.
Soil: A very acidic, moist but well draining soil is required. Avoid heavy compacted soils such as clay.
Maintenance: Selective pruning right after flowering in done. Dead-heading is recommended for increased flower production the following year.
