Saturday, April 25, 2009

PJM Rhododendron

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PJM Rhododendrons are blooming all over town.

Named after Peter J. Mezitt, founder of Weston Nurseries, Massachusetts, this shrub has become wildly popular. And with good reason. It is easy to grow, winter hardy, the dark green foliage turns plum colored in fall and the spring blooms are a marvelous magenta.
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I planted a small bush in 2002 in part shade. Now it is at least 6 feet tall and about 4 or 5 feet wide. It has never had any disease or insect problems. I sprinkle Holly Tone fertilizer around its roots after it blooms and lightly hoe it in. The bloom is a show stopper every spring.
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2 comments:

Chandramouli S said...

What a beauty! The blooms look like tiny versions of Iris.

Marie said...

Thanks CS,

The blooms are spectacular. The photo of the bush doesn't really do justice to this pretty shrub.