| Description | PJM Elite Rhododendron One of the many PJM Rhododendrons available. Elite has the darkest pink flowers and later to bloom |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | (roh-do-DEN-dron) |
| Plant Type | Broadleaf evergreen, Site author's observations |
| Hardiness Zone | 5 |
| Sunlight | best in bright shade, 1/2 day morning sun, tolerates full sun in the proper site |
| Moisture | tolerates average moisture conditions, during dry spells extra water is beneficial |
| Soil & Site | Prefers acid, organic-rich moist soils. I give my plants a helping of soil sulfur and organic fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants twice a year to help keep the acidity level within the proper range. Mulching with pine needles helps to maintain soil acidity. |
| Flowers | bright deep pink flowers |
| Leaves | evergreen, dark green during the growing season, turning plum-purple in the winter |
| Roots | fibrous |
| Dimensions | 3-4 by 3-4 feet or larger |
| Maintenance | I have had success using this plant by digging the hole 2 times larger than is needed. Taking the soil and mixing it 50-50 with peat moss or other organic matter. Plant it slightly above grade to provide for good drainage. At planting time I give it a dose of soil sulfur. organic acid enhancing fertilizer. Always mulch the plant with organic mulch (preferably one that creates acid soil conditions). This helps add organic matter to the soil as it rots and helps to maintain the soil moisture. Any pruning should be done after flowering. |
| Propagation | cuttings |
| Cultivar Origin | P.J.M. stands for Peter J. Mezitt who developed these plants. Introduce in the late 1980's. Rhododendron carolinianum x R. dauricum var. sempervirens bears the cultivar name 'PJM Elite. |
| Misc Facts | AKA: PJM Elite Azalea |
| Author's Notes | Planted one in my gardens. The flower color was an intense pink as can be seen from the pictures. |
| Notes & Reference | #01-Manual of Woody Landscape Plants (Michael Dirr), #161-Paghat's Gardens (www.paghat.com) |
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