Rhododendron hybrid "Lee's Dark Purple" - this perennial plant will generously reward a careful gardener with abundant blooms and a striking appearance. The variety is popular and in demand in many countries around the world, has many good reviews, and is recommended for amateur and professional use in landscaping. Characteristics of Rhododendron catawbiense Lee's Dark Purple

• habit – bush;
• crown – spreading, rounded;
• often requires winter protection;
• requires moist, acidic, fertile, and well-drained soils;
• root system – very sensitive, superficial;
• grows well in partial shade;
• leaves – green, do not fall off for winter;
• young leaves have a bronze tint;
• flowers – funnel-shaped, pink-purple, profusely covering the crown;
• 10-16 flowers are gathered in a spherical inflorescence;
• flowering usually occurs in May-June;
• annual crown growth in optimal growing conditions – 10-15 cm;
• height of old bushes – 120-180 cm;
• purpose – single and group plantings, container growing.

Specificity of growing rhododendrons Locations in open ground for the bushes should be slightly shaded, and the soil must be fertile, moderately moist, well-drained, and acidic. Drainage (at least 20 cm), leaf compost, and peat should be placed in the planting holes. It is advisable to regularly feed the bushes with fertilizers; potassium and phosphate preparations, as well as organic matter, can be applied. Ash, liming, direct scorching sun, and water stagnation are detrimental to the perennial. We recommend planting bushes in spring or autumn. For mulching, use ground coniferous bark, wood shavings, or dry pine needles. Formative pruning can be done after flowering. Annual sanitary pruning is advisable – this removes defective and dry elements. Pruning should be done with caution and in protective clothing, as rhododendrons are poisonous! Plants need preparation and careful winter protection – for this, coniferous branches, agrofibre, and other materials are suitable.