In desperation to cultivate a dry, shady Northern slope behind my house, I planted everything I could find on sale. That included four sm...Read Moreall "Lee's Dark Purple" rhodies. The soil is clay of minimal fertility, and not ammended in any way. I never expected the rhodies to survive. To my shock, they have thrived, and are absolutely beautiful! Foliage is dark green and healthy, habit is round and compact. Blooms are an unusual medium purple. This variety does so well under adverse conditions, I can only imagine how stunning it would be with good soil.
Been growing this plant for 20 yrs. It is reliably hardy in my zone 5 garden. However, it doesn't set buds in its shady location. May o...Read Morenly flower well once every 4 yrs. under the canopy of oak trees. I love it when it does bloom well! However, I wouldn't classify the flowers as 'dark purple'. 'Medium purple' is more accurate.
3/24/11- Update- after considerable thinning of oak canopy recently, bud-set last summer was dramatically improved. Should be spectacular this spring!
The vendor linked above as having This beauty for sale does not have it on June 7, 2011.
In desperation to cultivate a dry, shady Northern slope behind my house, I planted everything I could find on sale. That included four sm...Read More
Been growing this plant for 20 yrs. It is reliably hardy in my zone 5 garden. However, it doesn't set buds in its shady location. May o...Read More