RHODODENDRON 'Purple Gem'
- Planting Dig holes or beds wide, not deep Lightly amend heavy clay or sandy soils with organic matter Gently remove...
- Dig holes or beds wide, not deep
- Lightly amend heavy clay or sandy soils with organic matter
- Gently remove plants from containers, keeping the root ball intact
- Loosen potting soil and roots around bottom and edges of root ball
- Water deeply
- Repeat
How do you take care of purple gem rhododendrons?
Never cultivate the soil around the base of plants because rhododendrons have shallow, fragile roots. Water Purple Gem rhododendrons just after planting for several minutes, letting water soak deep into the roots. Continue watering the plant every 10 to 14 days.
What is a purple gem Rhododendron?
The Purple Gem Rhododendron is a dense-growing, dwarf evergreen shrub valued for its purplish-blue flowers in spring and azalea-like foliage; needs some protection from winter wind.
How do you plant a dwarf rhododendron?
The compact habit of this versatile Dwarf Rhododendron lends a decidedly formal character to the garden. Plant in small groupings in front of taller shrubs. Line them up for edging or as mini hedges to highlight plantings of perennials. Ideal for massing under the canopies of trees with other understory species.
What does a rhododendron look like in the spring?
Purple Gem Rhododendron is covered in stunning clusters of lightly-scented purple trumpet-shaped flowers with violet streaks at the ends of the branches in mid spring. It has olive green evergreen foliage which emerges bluish-green in spring.
See more
What is the best way to plant a rhododendron?
Dig a planting hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of your rhododendron plant. Remove the plant from its container and place it in the planting hole. The top of the root ball should be even with the soil line.
How do you take care of a purple gem rhododendron?
Provide organically rich, well-drained, acidic soil. Apply a thick layer of mulch to keep roots cool, avoiding the crown. Avoid harsh afternoon sun exposures and shelter from drying winter winds. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system.
How big do purple gem rhododendrons get?
As a dwarf evergreen shrub, they stay relatively small, growing up to 3 feet tall and wide.
What time of year should rhododendrons be planted?
Azaleas and rhododendrons may be transplanted at any time during the growing season, but they transplant most successfully during fall or early spring, when they are dormant and temperatures are cool.
What soil do rhododendrons like?
Rhododendrons grow best in soils with a pH of 4.5-6.0. They do not grow well in soils with appreciable levels of calcium. This is principally due to iron getting 'locked up' and becoming unavailable to the plant. Soil pH is easily measured using a home soil test kit available from garden centres.
What is the best time to fertilize rhododendrons?
The fertilizing of Azaleas and Rhododendrons should be performed shortly after their flowering period has ended. Just apply a granular fertilizer to the soil's, or mulch layer's, surface.
Is purple gem rhododendron evergreen?
The Purple Gem Rhododendron is a dense-growing, dwarf evergreen shrub valued for its purplish-blue flowers in spring and azalea-like foliage; needs some protection from winter wind.
What does a purple rhododendron look like?
Rhododendron x 'Lee's Dark Purple' (H-2) A hardy, compact shrub valued for its deep purple buds that open to large trusses of violet-purple flowers in late May. Dark green leaves with undulating edges nicely frame the colorful spring flowers and provide evergreen interest year-round.
Do deer eat purple gem rhododendrons?
Deer love rhododendrons, especially in winter.
How do you care for a newly planted rhododendron?
Water deeply and apply up to 3 inches of mulch. Do not press the mulch right up against the rhododendron's crown and stems; leave some space bare. Keep newly planted rhododendrons watered, especially during dry spells. Water deeply but allow the soil to approach dryness before watering again.
How late can you plant rhododendron?
In mild climates rhododendrons and azaleas can be planted almost any time of the year with reasonable success. In colder areas, early spring planting is recommended, with early fall planting being a second choice.
Do rhododendrons spread?
Rhododendron ponticum (hereafter referred to as rhododendron) was first introduced to Britain in the 18th century as a garden plant. Seeds are light and dispersed by wind or water so the plants can spread quickly.
How do I care for rhododendrons?
Shrubs need six hours of sun daily. If you live in the warmer end of their growing zones, be sure you choose a site that gets afternoon shade. Soil should be well-drained, moist, and acidic (pH 4.5 to 6). Rhododendrons don't do well in heavy soils that drain poorly.
Is purple gem rhododendron evergreen?
The Purple Gem Rhododendron is a dense-growing, dwarf evergreen shrub valued for its purplish-blue flowers in spring and azalea-like foliage; needs some protection from winter wind.
What does a purple rhododendron look like?
Rhododendron x 'Lee's Dark Purple' (H-2) A hardy, compact shrub valued for its deep purple buds that open to large trusses of violet-purple flowers in late May. Dark green leaves with undulating edges nicely frame the colorful spring flowers and provide evergreen interest year-round.
How fast do purple Passion rhododendron grow?
An abundance of regal, deep reddish purple blooms highlighted with white and delicate maroon spots appear in late spring against glossy dark green, disease resistant foliage....Rhododendron 'Purple Passion' (H-3)Botanical Pronunciationroh-do-DEN-dronGrowth HabitRoundedGrowth RateModerate14 more rows
How tall does a purple gem rhododendron grow?
Purple Gem Rhododendron will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet . It tends to be a little leggy, with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.
What is the color of the purple gem rhododendron?
It has olive green foliage which emerges bluish-green in spring. The glossy narrow leaves turn an outstanding coppery-bronze in the fall. The fruit is not ornamentally significant.
When do purple bushes bloom?
Beautiful large purple blooms with violet streaks and edging adorn this majestic shrub in mid to late spring; an accent shrub that will definitely make an impact; absolutely must have well-drained, highly acidic and organic soil
Does a sage plant need full sun?
This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth, but will die in standing water. It is very fussy about its soil conditions and must have rich, acidic soils to ensure success, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the leaves in alkaline soils.
Create your free Shoot garden
Create your free SHOOT garden and make a record of the plants in your garden.
Get access to monthly care advice
Create a free SHOOT account and get instant access to expert care advice for this and other plants in your garden.
Where to grow
Rhododendron 'Purple Gem' (Rhododendron 'Purple Gem') will reach a height of 0.6m and a spread of 1.2m after 10-20 years.
What is a purple gem rhododendron?
Purple Gem Rhododendron is an open multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage.
When do purple bushes bloom?
Beautiful large purple blooms with violet streaks and edging adorn this majestic shrub in mid to late spring; an accent shrub that will definitely make an impact; absolutely must have well-drained, highly acidic and organic soil
What is a purple gem rhododendron?
The Purple Gem Rhododendron is a dense-growing, dwarf evergreen shrub valued for its purplish-blue flowers in spring and azalea-like foliage; needs some protection from winter wind.
What is a purple gem?
Rhododendron ‘Purple Gem’ (Azalea) The Purple Gem Rhododendron is a dense-growing, dwarf evergreen shrub valued for its purplish-blue flowers in spring and azalea-like foliage; needs some protection from winter wind.
Photos & Descriptions
A small rhododendron with foliage resembling 'Ramapo', though the leaves are more rust colored. New growth in the spring has blue tones. The small clusters of flowers are a dark purple-violet. A selection that does well in colder areas.
Order Today
TIP: Shipping price doesn't rise much as you add more plants to the same box. The best economy comes from placing a larger order. We humbly suggest that plants look great planted in groups of three.
Find it Today
A family-owned nursery located in Springfield, Oregon offering unique, rare, and unusual plants. Large specimens available.
Anah Kruschke
Flowers are widely funnel-shaped, a strong reddish-purple coloring with a deep purplish-red blotch. Produces ball-shaped trusses of 10-12 flowers. Leaves are elliptic-shaped with acute apex, wedge-shaped base, glossy & yellow-green. Has a rounded habit & is heat tolerant. It also tolerates full shade.
Blue Baron
Flowers are broadly funnel-shaped with wavy edges, light violet inside & vivid violet outside coloring. Produces dome-shaped trusses of 20 flowers. Leaves are oblong, wavy margins, broadly acute apex, glossy & dark green. Plant is compact & has mounding growth habit. Protect from winter winds. Tolerates full sun.
Blue Diamond
Flowers are flat, light purple & unmarked. Produces trusses that hold up to 5 flowers. Leaves are elliptic & dark green. Has dense, fine-branched stems grow vertically & is best in full sun. Blooms early to mid spring & reaches roughly 3 feet tall.
Blue Peter
Flowers are widely funnel-shaped with frilly edges & lavender coloring fading lighter towards center with purple blotch. Produces conical trusses of about 15 flowers. Leaves are elliptic, have acute apex, rounded base, concave, glossy & dark green. A vigorous & sprawling plant. Heat & sun tolerant. Blooms mid spring & reaches roughly 6 feet tall.
Bob's Blue
Flowers are funnel-shaped, light violet & held in trusses of 3-5 flowers. Leaves are small, leathery & dark bronze green in summer turning to maroon in winter. Has upright growth habit & tolerates full sun. Blooms early to mid spring & reaches roughly 3 feet tall.
Daphnoides
Flowers are two-lipped & light purple with light brown dorsal markings. Small, round trusses have about 20 flowers. Leaves are obovate with margins curved under, glossy & dark green. A densely foliaged, tight growing shrub. This plant likes good drainage & summer sun protection. Blooms mid to late spring & reaches roughly 4 feet tall.
Edith Bosley
Flowers are openly funnel-shaped with wavy edges & deep reddish-purple coloring at margins shading through purple to reddish-purple in center, with dark red spotting. Leaves are elliptic, flat, have acute apex & are olive green. Has a spreading, open habit. Blooms mid spring & reaches roughly 4 feet tall.