Purpureum Elegans Rhododendron

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

#ProPlantTips 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.

Add Nature Hills Root Booster while planting for a life-long symbiotic relationship with the tiny feeder roots. 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

For incredible purple spring color on a fantastic year-round evergreen, order your own hedge of Purpureum Elegans Rhododendron from NatureHills.com today!

Azalea and Rhododendron Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to plant an Azalea bush?

Azaleas and Rhododendrons prefer partial shade (both dappled shade all day or morning sun with afternoon shade). Plant in a slightly acidic, consistently moist, enriched, and well-drained soil location for best results. Their shallow roots dislike soggy soil but thrive with a 3-4 inch layer of arborist mulch over their surface.

How big does an Azalea bush get?

Purpureum Elegans Rhododendron can reach around 5-6 feet in height and in width in optimal conditions.

Are Azalea bushes low maintenance?

Azalea and Rhododendron shrubs are very easy to grow and low maintenance. Water during drought, prune only after flowering, and fertilize with an acid-loving organic, slow-release flowering plant fertilizer.

What is the difference between Rhododendrons and Azaleas?

All Azaleas are Rhododendrons but not all Rhodondendrons are Azaleas. Azalea tends to be smaller-sized with smaller leaves and stems, while Rhododendrons can be larger with stout branching and larger bloom trusses. There can both be either deciduous or broad-leaved evergreens.

How Do I Find Azalea and Rhododendron Bushes for Sale Near Me?

Make your life easier and your yard happier by shopping for Azaleas at NatureHills.com online nursery. You'll find a massive selection of flowering bushes for sale, including many lovely varieties!

Choose the right shrub for your area by first finding your growing zone by entering your zip code in the field above the Plant Highlights section on our product pages. Narrow down your options by plant hardiness zone, sun availability, and size requirements.

Place your order, knowing it's backed by the Nature Hills Nursery product guarantee and protected by Plant Sentry™, which helps ensure regulated plant materials aren't sent to prohibited areas.

Expect to receive your plants at the appropriate planting time for your growing zone when temperatures are safest to ship through and into.