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Key characteristics

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

Shrubs

Rhododendron x 'PJM'

PJM Rhododendron

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.

Light

Full sun to part shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Early spring

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)