Bosh Bruening
Family
Ericaceae
Botanical Name
Rhododendron 'Elite'( P J M Hybrid)
Plant Common Name
Elite Rhododendron, PJM Rhododendron, Rhododendron
General Description
One of the popular Rhododendron PJM hybrids, ‘Elite’ is vigorous growing, upright in form and blooms late in the spring. The flowers are bright lavender-pink and the foliage takes on burgundy-red hues in the winter.
Touted to be among the hardiest, easiest to grow and heaviest blooming rhododendrons, the PJM Hybrids are popular and widely planted. They are compact, evergreen and result from a cross between the North American R. minus var. minus Carolinianum Group and the Asian Rhododendron dauricum. The hybrids were developed at Weston Nurseries in Massachusetts by famed nurseryman Peter J. Mezitt.
The beautiful, rounded shrubs are densely clothed in dark green, shiny foliage. The small leaves are elliptical to oval, held alternately on the stem and slightly aromatic when crushed. In the winter they take on mahogany to purple hues, especially when planted in sunnier locations. An abundance of flower clusters (trusses) appear early to late spring. The individual flowers are funnel-shaped. These hybrids rarely set seed.
Rhododendrons prefer sites with partial shade and highly organic, acid soil that is evenly moist but well-drained. Further north the PJM hybrids are tolerant of more sun. They are susceptible to a wide variety of fungal diseases and insect pests and will be more at risk if not provided with the correct growing conditions. Plant them shallowly and mulch well to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Plant these rhododendrons for their neat habit, heat tolerance and dependable blooms. The PJM hybrids are great for shaded woodland gardens, foundations and make excellent accent plants for any border.
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Purple, Pink
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Purple, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Red
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Bark Color
Brown, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
