R. 'Lee's Dark Purple'

Coming to us from England, this older purple flowering rhododendron was created before 1851 by John Lee by crossing the American species R. catawbiense with an unknown pollen parent. Because it is still in the trade today is because it has proven itself to be a worthwhile hybrid to grow. The plant is vigorous and lush with dark-green leaves, rarely needing any pruning. The rounded trusses of rich purple flowers cover the plant in late April or early May. Great for screens or hedges with its foliage going all the way to the ground. Hardy to -15 deg F, puts this one into zone 5.