rhododendron

Rhododendron 'Lee's Dark Purple' should be watered regularly during the growing season, from spring to fall. Generally, the plant should be watered deeply every 7 to 10 days, or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In hotter climates, more frequent watering may be required. During the winter months, reduce the amount of water to once a month, or when the soil feels dry. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so make sure the soil has proper drainage and allow time for the soil to dry before re-watering.

Rhododendron 'Lee's Dark Purple' should be planted in a sunny or lightly shaded area in the garden or landscape. Depending on the region and season, direct sunlight should be limited to as little as 4 hours per day in the winter and as much as 8 hours during the summer months. During this peak season, Rhododendron 'Lee's Dark Purple' should be placed in a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade for the best results. In warmer and drier climates, the plant should be situated in an area that receives full shade during the hottest part of the day.

When it comes to pruning rhododendrons, the best time to do so is during the late winter or very early spring months. This is because pruning in the summertime or during the hot months can slow or even stop blooming. The amount of pruning you do depends on the age of the rhododendron and the shape or look you want for it. Generally, young plants (< 3 years old) should be pruned lightly, removing any dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Light pruning helps to train the plant’s shape. For older plants, pruning can be more extensive, cutting branches at the desired length to maintain your desired shape. If you plan to severely prune your Rhododendron ‘Lee’s Dark Purple’ plant, it’s important to remove no more than 1-third of the plant’s branches and to focus on cutting away older, woody growth.