Overview & Description

The PJM Elite Rhododendron (Rhododendron ‘PJM Elite’) is a hardy, slow-growing evergreen shrub celebrated for its stunning trusses of lightly-scented, trumpet-shaped lavender-pink flowers that bloom in early spring. Its small, elliptic, glossy dark green leaves provide a lush backdrop during the growing season and transform into a striking reddish-purple to mahogany hue in fall and winter, offering excellent year-round interest.

Growth & Size

This variety exhibits a neat, compact, upright-rounded to spreading multi-stemmed growth habit. It is a slow to moderate-growing shrub, typically reaching a mature size of about 4 to 6 feet in height with a spread of 3 to 6 feet. It can be expected to live for approximately 40 years or more under ideal conditions.

Additional Notes

It blooms in early spring. This low-maintenance shrub thrives in partial shade to full shade in peaty, organically rich, moist, acidic, well-drained soil and does not tolerate wet feet. It prefers protection from harsh afternoon sun and drying winter winds. It attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, and is rabbit tolerant. An excellent choice for borders, foundation plantings, hedges, mass plantings, or as a standout accent in woodland and shade gardens.