| Description | PJM Rhododendron If the proper site is found this plant can be one of the few Rhododendrons that is consistently hardy to Zone #5. |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | (roh-do-DEN-dron) |
| Plant Type | Shrubs Broadleaf Evergreen, Site author's observations |
| Hardiness Zone | 5 |
| Sunlight | best in bright shade, 1/2 day morning sun, tolerates full sun in the proper site |
| Moisture | tolerates average moisture conditions, during dry spells extra water is beneficial |
| Soil & Site | Prefers acid, organic-rich moist soils. I give my plants a helping of soil sulfur and organic fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants twice a year to help keep the acidity level within the proper range. Mulching with pine needles helps to maintain soil acidity. |
| Flowers | bright lavender pink flowers, bloom at the same time as Daffodils, Arabis, Euphorbia polychroma, Forsythia, Pulmonaria, etc. |
| Leaves | evergreen, dark green during the growing season, turning plum-purple in the winter |
| Dimensions | I have had plants reach 4' in height and around the same in spread, reported to get larger. |
| Maintenance | I have had success using this plant by digging the hole 2 times larger than is needed. Taking the soil and mixing it 50-50 with peat moss. Plant it above grade to provide for good drainage. At planting time I give it a dose of soil sulfur. Always mulch the plant with organic mulch (preferably one that creates and acid soil conditions). This helps add organic matter to the soil as it rots and helps to maintain the soil moisture. Any pruning should be done after flowering. |
| Cultivar Origin | Originated in 1943 at the Weston Nursery in Hopkinton Massachusetts. A cross between R. carolinianum and R. dauricum var sempervirens. P.J. Mezitt was hybridizer of this cultivar. His initials are used to named the plant PJM. |
| Author's Notes | I have been using this plant for over 30 years and it has proved to be very hardy, if given the proper site. Amending of the soil and a protected site are requirements. One of my clients commented saying this plant is a "pleasant surprise, every spring". In one garden that I maintain their PJM Rhododendron is on the southwest side of their house. It is hot and dry where it grows. During the spring it is loaded with flowers. |
| Notes & Reference | #01-Manual of Woody Landscape Plants (Michael Dirr) |
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