Purple Passion Rhododendron is an evergreen shrub with a mounding growth and dark green foliage that turns coppery bronze in winter. Large clusters of wavy edged, deep violet flowers with lighter throats and sparse maroon speckling bloom in late spring. A very versatile plant that prefers partial sun, particularly in hot climates, with acidic rich, well-drained soils. Purple Passion is disease resistant.
Type: |
Shrub |
Height: |
4' - 6' |
Spread: |
4’ - 6’ |
Spacing: |
6’ |
USDA Hardiness Zone: |
4 - 8 |
Culture: |
Full Sun, Part Sun |
Bloom Color: |
Purple |
Season of Interest: |
MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low maintenance. Moderate water needs, properly drained soils is a must to avoid root rot. Mulch helps to keep roots from drying out. Keep away from drip lines of the walnut family. Acidify soils as needed (PH range of 5 to 6.5) Southern climates with excessive humidity are more prone to powdery mildew, twig blights, and rust. Azaleas are prone to many diseases and pest problems, but the proper environment and care should negate most of them.
LANDSCAPE USES: Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Wildlife Gardens, Foundational Plantings, Hedges, and Containers.
COMPANION PLANTS: Camelia, Liriope, Japanese Maple
IMAGES: Photoset by Famartin, 2021-05-04 10 29 08 Purple Passion Rhododendron flowers starting to open along Tranquility Court in the Franklin Farm section of Oak Hill, Fairfax County, Virginia, CC BY-SA 4.0, (2) Purple Passion Rhododendron flowers along Tranquility Court in the Franklin Farm section of Oak Hill, Fairfax County, Virginia, (1) 2021-05-07 08 18 08 , (2) CC BY-SA 4.0, (3) 2021-05-09 13 30 27, CC BY-SA 4.0, (3) 2021-05-09 13 30 32, CC BY-SA 4.0
*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.