Why Plant Lee's Dark Purple Rhododendron?
Since Victorian times, Lee’s Dark Purple Catawba Rhododendron has been a beloved Accent for lightly shaded beds and borders. Enthusiasm for this fine selection hasn’t waned—it’s still a favorite many generations after its introduction. What’s not to love? Generous bunches of regal purple blossoms adorn its branches each year in late spring, and fantastic, dark, wavy leaves clothe it from head to toe all year-round. Use it as a bold specimen or as a backdrop to more delicate plants. It also makes a neighbor-friendly privacy screen when planted on your property line and requires hardly any pruning.
Lee’s Dark Purple is a type of Catawba Rhododendron. From late April through June, the Catawba Rhododendron lights up shady hillsides and forest understory in the Allegheny Mountains, bringing its rosy purple cheer to a region extending from southern Virginia to northern Alabama. Lee’s Dark Purple therefore calls the U.S. home, although it also owes an allegiance to the U.K.; it was bred by an English nurseryman by the name of John Lee in 1851. It is known as one of the “Ironclad” Rhododendrons for its ability to cope with frigid winters and other challenges.
How to use Lee's Dark Purple Rhododendron in the landscape?
Some Rhododendrons can be a bit tricky to grow, but Lee’s Dark Purple is one of the most resilient. With proper care, it thrives in the colder states—down to -20ºF—and tolerates the heat and humidity of the South as well. This one is a winner!
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 5-9
How To Plant Lee's Dark Purple Rhododendron
Catawba Rhododendron is tougher than many Rhododendrons, but it does appreciate good siting and aftercare. Plant Lee’s Dark Purple in part shade, in cool, acidic, well-drained soil for best results. Keep the root zone moist but never soggy. An annual layer of organic mulch will help to retain moisture.
How To Water
During the first growing season, your Rhododendron will need to be watered twice a week. Once your plant has established, you can diminish your watering routine to only during dry periods.
How To Fertilize
Give your Rhododendron some of our Elements Starter Plant Food at planting and then again in early spring as the flowers start budding. Avoid harsh chemical fertilizers—Catawba Rhododendron is sensitive to overfeeding.
How To Prune
Prune your Rhododendron any time of the year for normal upkeep, or straight after flowering to give the time your plant needs for the production of new growth and formation of flower buds.
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
