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Rhododendron 'Peter J. Mezzit'

Status: In stock

Product ID#: rpjmx
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Starting at: $77.99
Product Description
Sun Exposure Part Sun/Shade
Bloom Time Spring
Soil Conditions Normal
Fall Color Burgundy/Purple
Flower Color Purple, Pink
Mature Plant Size (H x W) 4-6' x 4-6'
Introducing the PJM Rhododendron, a stunning evergreen shrub that showcases vibrant lavender-pink flowers in early spring and glossy dark green leaves throughout the year. Its elliptic, leathery leaves can range from 1” to 2 ½” in size.

As a popular garden choice, this perennial is easy to grow and maintain, perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners. Its compact size makes it ideal for borders, hedges, or containers.

These evergreen shrubs are an excellent choice for those looking to add a splash of color to their landscape or create a charming container garden with eye-catching lavender-pink flowers and lush foliage.

At our nursery, we nurture PJM Rhododendrons to ensure they are healthy, vigorous, and ready to enhance your garden. With its lush dark green leaves and breathtaking flowers, the PJM Rhododendron is sure to be a standout in your garden for many seasons. Order now and prepare to be captivated by the beauty and simplicity of these remarkable perennials! For more personalized advice or assistance, contact us at [email protected] or call 920-478-2121.
  • sunshade Part Sun/Shade
  • Mature Plant Size (H x W) Mature Plant Size (H x W): 4-6' x 4-6'
  • Bloom Season Bloom Season: Spring
Key features
  • Attracts Bees
  • Salt Tolerant
  • Winter Interest
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Fragrant Flowers
  • Attracts Pollinators
Planting Care

Planting & Care for Deciduous Shrub – P.J.M. Rhododendron

Preparation
  • PJM Rhododendron is a hardy hybrid valued for its resistance to severe weather and the ability to prosper in windy gardens.
  • PJM Rhododendron reaches a mature size of 4–6’ wide by 4–6’ tall.
  • PJM Rhododendron thrives in well-drained soil and is adaptable from full sun to partial shade.
  • The soil must be acid and well-drained, cool and moist throughout the year, and fortified with moisture-conserving organic matter.
  • Dig in plenty of well-rotted manure, garden compost, or leaf mold before planting.
  • Easy to manage, and blooms are large, showy, and have pointed leaves.
  • Plant in April, July to August.
  • Prune in May and June.
Opening Plant Material
  • Containers: Completely saturate all container plants by putting them in a larger water container until bubbling stops. Remove the plant, then dig a hole no deeper than the depth of the container, ensuring it’s wider on the sides by an additional 6” or more.
Planting Containers
  • Plant in spring and fall.
  • Dig a hole no deeper than the depth of the container and 6" or wider on the sides.
  • Slide the plant from the pot by tapping on the bottom of the pot.
  • With a shovel or knife, trim the bottom 2" off the root ball for plants in plastic containers.
  • Rotate the plant to the proper position. Never lift or move plants by the tops.
    Place the root ball in the hole.
  • Adjust the plant height so the root crown is slightly higher than the ground.
  • Notice where the base of the trunk flares out from the tree. This is called the root flare. This root flare should show when the tree is planted. Add soil under the ball so the root flare is exposed if necessary.
  • Place fertilizer packets into the bottom of the hole (if purchased). *Use Our Recommended Fertilizer.
  • Backfill the hole with soil, ensuring the top of the root ball is visible and slightly higher than the soil around it.
  • Firm the soil around the plant. Water well to settle soil around the root ball.
  • See our link here for Planting & Handling Help for a downloadable planting guide with illustrations.
Pruning - After Planting
  • Containers: Although it’s not essential after planting, light pruning can help shape a PJM Rhododendron. Doing so removes any broken branches from shipping or thins out a heavily branched plant to assist in the transplanting process and the appearance of your new planting.
Pruning - Through-out the Season
  • Prune in May and June.
  • When pruning, snap off spent blooms when petals fall to channel energy away from seed production and into strong new growth. Be sure not to damage new leaves in the process.
  • Keep mature bushes youthful and packed with blossom in spring by removing one in three of the older, black-barked stems when flowers fade.
Watering - After Planting
  • Plants typically take approximately 6 weeks to establish new roots in your soil. During this period, water plants as often as every 2-4 days at the start and at least a minimum of once per week.
  • Beyond the six-week establishment period, water once per week unless rain occurs.
  • Remember to check soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil around 3”.
Watering - Through-out the Season
  • After the first season, plants should only be watered during extended periods without rain.
  • How do you know if your plants need water? The easiest way to tell is to touch the soil around the roots. If it is moist, there is no need to water. If it’s dry, give it a good soak with the hose end (no nozzle), watering the soil only, not the leaves.
  • Same as after planting, stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the PJM stand for in PJM Rhododendron?

The plant’s name is dedicated to its founder’s father. Ed Mezitt’s father, Peter J. Mezitt, would stand for the “PJM” initials on the name of this hybrid, broadleaf evergreen shrub first produced in 1939 in Massachusetts. The genus of the plant comes from the Greek words ‘Rhodo’ and ‘dendron,’ which mean rose and tree, respectively.

How much sunlight does the P.J.M. Rhododendron need?

PJM Rhododendrons prefer partial shade to full sun. It’s best suited to a location that provides some shade during the hottest part of the day to protect the leaves and blooms from scorching.

When does a PJM Rhododendron bloom?

PJM Rhododendron typically blooms in early spring, showcasing vibrant pinkish-lavender flowers.

Does a PJM Rhododendron need winter protection?

If you planted a variety suitable for your climate in a location protected from cold winter winds, no winter protection is needed. However, potted plants require winter protection because their roots are exposed and vulnerable to the cold. Extreme winter cold can damage the buds. If the plant is small, loosely wrap it with burlap for temporary protection, being careful not to break any buds.

What are the common problems when growing PJM Rhododendron?

Yellowing leaves on rhododendrons can indicate that the soil pH is too high. This often occurs if the plant is near a concrete sidewalk, driveway, or foundation, which can leach lime and raise the soil pH. Before attempting to lower the pH, test the soil. Amend the soil with wettable sulfur powder or ferrous sulfate, not aluminum sulfate, as it’s toxic to rhododendron roots.

Planting & Handling Help

Download our Planting and Handling Guide below to plan for a successful arrival and install of your plants. Be sure to water all plants as soon as they arrive and every day until you’re ready to plant. Keep any bare root bundles in a shady, cool spot with the roots covered at all times.

Learn More

Watch our videos on handling bare root plants, how your order is prepared for shipment and more.

Plant Sizing

What is the difference between Containers, Grow Bags, Bare Root, and Balled & Burlap (B&B)?

Shipping Times

Our FedEx and local shipping times depend on two factors, one is by the region and the second is the type of product being shipped. For example, small fruits are only shipped in spring, but majority of our perennials are shipped from spring until fall. Keep in mind the dates below act as a general guide. Due to unpredictable weather, staffing, inventory and industry demands these timelines can change. Therefore, we cannot guarantee any of these times.

 

Shipping Dates by Region*

 

Northern Cold Region: April 22nd - November 7th

Northern Region: April 15th - November 7th

Middle Region: April 1st - November 7th

Southern Region: March 15th - November 7th

Local Delivery (small radius from Waterloo, WI): April 22nd - November 7th

 

Shipping Dates by Season*

 

Spring Shipping: Region Start Date (above) - May

Fall Shipping: September - November

 

Due to unpredictable weather, these times may vary. Some varieties are exceptions due to heat and plant health reasons. Enter your shipping zip code at the top of this page and be sure to check the shipping information on each product before you add it to your cart. If the product is too large or restricted in your state, you will not be able to checkout with that item in your cart.