Rhododendron - PJM Star Elite

If you want masses of gorgeous, brilliant lavender every spring, take a good look at the P.J.M. Rhododendron (Rhododendron x 'P.J.M.').

The first time it blooms in your yard, you will wonder if it is even real! The amethyst orchid colored flowers will cover the plant in early spring like a cloud. The massive flowers display is lightly fragrant and completely breathtaking.

This is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with ornamental features, including delicate floral clusters of 4-9 blossoms. You'll love their subtle scent, and you won't be the only one! Butterflies, hummingbirds and bees will flock to your yard to feast on the nectar.

Even the foliage is lovely. Every vibrant dark green leaf frames the flowers perfectly. Once the beautiful blooms are passed, the foliage fills out the shrub for a rich, full appearance in your landscape. The leaves persist on the plant all year round.

As autumn approaches, the P.J.M. Rhododendron offers up one last blast of color as the foliage transitions. The foliage turns an incredible purple and russet colors heading into winter.

The shrub has an upright, mounding habit and compact form. It tends to naturally maintain a neat appearance, so it won't require much fuss from you if you prefer to let it grow naturally. This variety is well known to be particularly winter hardy and long-lived. In fact, under optimal conditions, your P.J.M. will live up to 40 years.

The overall shape of the shrub is somewhat rounded when younger but will become more oval as the plants age and get some size to them.

It's hard to imagine a more stunning shrub to add to your yard than this one. With a profusion of dazzling blooms in spring and gorgeous fall color, this selection deserves a special place in the landscape.