Drifts of opulent purple blooms! The Purpureum Elegans Rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense ‘Purpureum Elegans’), sometimes called the Catawba Rhododendron, is a fantastic mid-sized broadleaf evergreen shrub that will be smothered in large clusters of incredible, rounded clusters of lavender-purple flowers!
Mildly fragrant, these large, mid-spring bundles of blooms will call early emerging pollinators and Hummingbirds to your landscape, as well as many “Ooh’s” and “Aah’s” from those driving by! Each delicate trumpet-shaped flower features burgundy blotches inside!
Once the blooms are done, the handsome foliage remains a steady lush dark green year-round for 4 seasons of color and presence among your other shrubs. Standing out against the dreary winter landscape. Growing to a wonderful 5-6 feet in height and width, and is cold-hardy throughout USDA growing zones 5 to 8.
Planting and Application:
An incredible spring show of this classic foundation plant will add immense curb appeal to your home’s facade. Tolerant of urban conditions and pollution, these are fantastic as a row separating your front yard from the street or lining your driveway with broad-leaved evergreen screening. Plant as an anchor on your home’s corners or to anchor a garage or shed, plus these are great anchors for garden beds.
Use Purpureum Elegans as a backdrop for your other plantings! The steady year-round presence highlights your Perennial and Cottage beds and grounding borders in year-round color. Pollinator gardens and Asian-inspired plantings are fitting areas for this wonderful mid-sized shrub! Adding color, privacy, and peacefulness to your seating areas and patios.
Great screening and hedge plants, long rows or drifts of these hardy plants add lush privacy and definition to your property! These are great as an understory or where there’s some afternoon shade beneath larger trees.
- Large Purple Flower Clusters!
- Lightly Fragrant Trumpet-Shaped Flowers!
- Bees, Hummingbirds & Pollinators Galore!
- Gorgeous Dark-Green Leaves
- Mid-Sized Shrub & Narrow Leafed Broadleaf-Evergreen
- Hedge, Screening, Privacy & Foundation Plantings, Specimen & Accent Plant
Tips for Care:
Best in part shade or afternoon shade, Rhododendrons and Azaleas prefer to be planted in a rich, organically enhanced, very well-draining soils, they must be in acidic soil. We recommend laying down a layer of mulch around the plant. It’s a rather shallow-rooted shrub and the mulch helps keep the moisture even without being wet which causes root rot.
Soggy soil will cause root rot, so careful site selection is key! If puddles remain on your soil after rain or watering, consider elevating the planting area. Add 18 – 24 inches of soil above the native soil line and plant your root system directly in that mound.
For best results, fertilize your tree regularly with Dr. Earth Acid Lovers Organic Fertilizers. Prune only after flowering is complete or you may chance to remove next year’s floral show!
- Partial Shade
- Rich Acidic Well-Drained Soil
- Moderate Moisture Needs & Mulched Beds
- No Noted Pests or Disease Issues
- Tolerant of Urban Pollution, Low Maintenance & Easy-Care
