Rhododendron Blue Baron

Blue Baron Rhododendron Blue Baron

Blue Baron (Rhododendron ‘Blue Baron’) is an evergreen rhododendron with purple flowers. Its display arrives in the early-to-middle part of the rhododendron flowering season, with the exact timing influenced by local weather. Individual flowers measure about 1¼ inches across. The flower tubes widen into flared faces that display the color clearly. Wavy petal edges give the clusters additional texture. Clusters commonly carry about 20 blossoms.

The plant develops a mounded outline and compact branching. The dark green leaves have a glossy surface that gives the foliage a distinct presence between flowering seasons. Its low early growth makes it useful near the front of a planting where the flowers remain easy to see.

Give it acidic, humus-rich soil that stays moist and drains freely. A sheltered position with filtered light or morning sun is a useful starting point; protect the roots from prolonged drying and keep mulch clear of the stems. Shelter it from drying winter winds.

Size guide
• Height: About 2 ft at 10 years; growth continues afterward
• Width: Allow for the cultivar’s natural branch spread; a verified numerical spread is not available in this reference.

Hardiness
• Approximate cold tolerance: -10°F
• USDA cold-limit equivalent: Zone 6a
This equivalence is calculated from the published temperature rating. Local conditions and summer climate also affect performance.

Best Uses
• Border
• Rock Garden
• Accent Plant

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen, Evergreen Shrub, Flowering evergreen shrub

Height

2 ft+

Width

2-4 '

Hardiness zones

6a–8

Sunlight

Part shade

Bloom time

Spring to summer

Flower color

Purple

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Bronze

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies

Soil

Acidic, Humus rich, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Border, Rock Garden

Shape

Compact, Mounded

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

No

Fragrant

No

Deer resistant

No

Salt tolerant

No

Drought tolerant

No

10-year height

2 ft