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Rhododendron 'Purple Gem' Shrub

Name: Rhododendron 'Purple Gem' Shrub
Brand: Ornamental Trees
SKU: RPG.B.3.1
Price: 28.0 GBP
Availability: OutOfStock

Dwarf Rhododendron

Bush, 20-40cm, 3L pot

£28

£28 ~~£28~~

Final size 0.5 metres in 20 years

Foliage Small leaves year-round (evergreen)

Flowers Lilac flowers with brown spots

Position Full sun to part shade

Soil Moist but well-draining acidic soil

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Product Details

Planting & Care

Delivery Information

Description

Rhododendron 'Purple Gem' is a striking evergreen dwarf shrub that blooms with violet flowers that have delicate brown speckles. It is complemented by its rich, dark-green leaves that produce an aromatic scent all year round. Due to its small stature, the shrub is perfect for filling a garden border or as a colourful addition to a flower bed.

Purple gem is a hardy little plant with a rating of H6. It will thrive in full sun in cooler spots or partial shade within a sheltered setting to prevent the soil from drying out. Ideally, it should be grown in moist but well-drained, acidic soil and mulched annually with leaf mold. Its ultimate height and spread is approximately 0.5 meters.

Planting Steps

1Preparation

Pot-grown plants can be planted at any time of year, whereas bare roots need to be planted between November and March.
Clear weeds and grass within a metre of the planting hole.
Dig a hole as deep as the root mass and twice as wide.
To help your plant establish more effectively, sprinkle Rootgrow in the hole.

2Planting

Gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole.
Ensure the top of the plant's compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil and the graft union or collar of the tree is above ground level.
Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost.
Fill in the hole, firming the soil gently.

3Last Steps

Water generously around the base of the plant.
If you are planting either a single stem tree or mature standard tree, we recommend adding a staking kit and rabbit guard.

Aftercare Advice

Rhododendron and Azalea are generally low maintenance however they will require a good watering regime for a couple of years whilst they establish. Water well and regularly through spring and summer, increasing in hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. Rainwater is preferred but tap water can also be used. It is advisable to keep the area free of competing weeds and grass during this period.

Rhododendron and Azalea are acid-loving plants so when grown in acidic soil are unlikely to need additional feeding. However, if the acidity of your soil is low, iron, manganese and magnesium treatments can be added to prevent browning and yellowing of the leaves. Potted Rhododendron and Azalea may also benefit from a slow-release granular fertiliser which provides an on-going support of nutrients.

Most Rhododendron and Azalea belong to RHS 'Pruning Group 8,' meaning they require minimal pruning. After they finish flowering, you should remove any deadheads and address any diseased or damaged branches, but otherwise, they should be left unpruned.

For more detailed advice and video guides, please visit our Help & Advice section.

MAINLAND UK — excluding remote locations
Small trees & shrubs*: £12 for 1 or more
Larger shrubs & mature Japanese Maples: £35 for 1 or more
Mature, Pleached, Hedging & Specialist Trees: £65 for 1 or more

REMOTE UK LOCATIONS — including Scottish Highlands & Islands
Small trees & shrubs*: £35 for 1 or more
Larger shrubs & mature Japanese Maples: £65 for 1 or more
Mature, Pleached, Hedging & Specialist Trees: £120 for 1 or more

*Small trees & shrubs are typically supplied in pots up to 15 litres.
Additional remote-location surcharges may apply.
Unfortunately, we are not able to make delivery of live plants to Northern Ireland or any countries outside of the UK.

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