Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Rhododendron x 'PJM'
PJM Rhododendron
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Height
- 3 to 6 ft
- Width
- 3 to 7 ft
- Flower color
- Lavender-pink to rosy purple flower clusters
- Foliage color
- Evergreen deep green leaves that often turn burgundy to mahogany-bronze in winter
- Bloom time
- Early spring
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; minimal pruning needed beyond light shaping after flowering
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 8
- Wildlife
- Fragrant shows of spring flowers attract pollinators; evergreen foliage provides shelter and cover for birds and small wildlife
About this plant
Rhododendron x 'PJM' is a broadleaf evergreen rhododendron that blooms in early spring with compact trusses of lavender to rosy-purple flowers. The small, dark green leaves are neatly shaped and often turn burgundy to mahogany in fall and winter, giving the plant year-round color and structure.
This classic hybrid originated at Weston Nurseries in Massachusetts in the late 1930's to early 1940's. It arose from breeding between Rhododendron carolinianum and Rhododendron dauricum var. sempervirens, resulting in a hardy garden rhododendron valued for dependable spring flowering and winter foliage color.
Works well in
Shade Gardens · Foundation Plantings · Cottage Gardens · Pathways & Walkways
Companion plants
Hydrangea · Viburnum · Pulmonaria · Japanese forest grass · Wood sorrel · Epimedium
Design tip
Arrange ‘PJM’ near later-blooming shrubs so its early flowers open the season without competing for attention. As spring advances, allow neighboring plants to take over, creating a succession of focal points rather than concentrating the display into one period alone.
