Rhododendron Lees Dark Purple

Lees Dark Purple Rhododendron

Lee's Dark Purple (Rhododendron ‘Lee's Dark Purple’) is an evergreen rhododendron with purple flowers. Its display arrives in the later part of the rhododendron flowering season, with the exact timing influenced by local weather. Individual flowers measure about 2¾ inches across. The flower tubes widen into flared faces that display the color clearly. Clusters commonly carry about 16 blossoms.

The plant develops upright branching. The dark green leaves have a glossy surface that gives the foliage a distinct presence between flowering seasons. Allow space for the branches to develop without crowding nearby plants or paths.

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.

Size guide
• Height: About 6 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: -15°F
• USDA cold-limit equivalent: Zone 5b
This equivalence is calculated from the published temperature rating. Local conditions and summer climate also affect performance.

Best Uses
• Border
• Woodland Gardens
• Accent Plant

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen, Evergreen Shrub, Flowering evergreen shrub

Height

6 ft+

Width

5'

Hardiness zones

5b–8

Sunlight

Part shade

Bloom time

Spring to summer

Flower color

Purple

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Butterflies

Soil

Acidic, Humus rich, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Border, Woodland Gardens

Shape

Upright

Fruit

No

Fragrant

No

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

No

Drought tolerant

No

10-year height

6 ft