Rhododendron 'PURPLE PILLOW'

Purple Pillow is a fantastic, dwarf variety of rhododendron. It makes profusion of lilac-pink to purple-violet small flowers in April and May. Once in full bloom the shrub is totally covered with flowers for 2-3 weeks. It often makes some flowers in early autumn again. Its evergreen leaves are dark green, narrowly elliptic.

Purple Pillow grows very slowly into a cushion-like shrub, some 60 cm tall and twice as wide 15 years. Being a sun-tolerant species it can be placed in a large rockery or a border with other sun-loving ericaceous plants like heather and deciduous azaleas. It is a perfect ground cover under tall trees and a low companion for compositions with large shrubs. Unless you are making a bonsai of it do not prune.

Grow this dwarf type in any location from full sun to full shade, just make sure it is always well mulched. The roots are shallow, spreading to sides in search for nutrients. Never plant it too deep. The soil has to be acidic (pH 4.5-5.5), rich in humus, cool and always moist. Ideal soil mixture is peat with lime-free, light garden soil topped with leaf mould. Fully hardy to approx. -27°C (USDA zone 5), possibly more.

Last update 20-01-2012