Black Hat® Rhododendron
Shrub
- Early-blooming evergreen shrub!
- Foliage takes on dramatic purple-black tones in cooler weather.
- Purple blooms attract pollinators.
- Fantastic flowering compact hedge plant.
- Zones 4-8, sun/part sun/shade, 3’ tall x 3’ wide at maturity.
ZONE
EXPOSURE
HEIGHT
Description
Details
Patent #: PP #31,898
Common name: Rhododendron
Zone: 4 - 8
Sun exposure: Sun (> 6 hours sun) to part sun (4-6 hours sun)
Height x width: 3 ' x 3'
Flower color: Purple pink
Foliage color: Black, purple, green
Season of interest: Year-round, but flowers in spring
Bloom time: Spring
Features: Winter interest, rare & unusual, Proven Winners, heat tolerant, evergreens, container plants, cold tolerant, best for beginners
Uses: Accent, background, border, container garden, cottage garden, foundation planting, hedge, massing, ornamental, woodland
How to Grow
Light: Sun/part sun/shade.
Water: Has average water needs.
Spacing: 4 to 5 feet apart
Fertilizing: An all-purpose garden fertilizer can be applied in spring. Check soil pH every few years to ensure that levels are correct for healthy growth, only then use soil acidifying products in your garden.
Winterizing: Planting in a protected area from harsh winter winds will help prevent winter damage. An application of mulch will help retain moisture during winter.
Maintenance & Pruning: Does not require pruning or deadheading. Prune only in spring after bloom, and just to shape plant or remove any dead growth.
Plant spacing is based on the ultimate width of the plants. This figure is normally given as a range; for example, 3-5’. If you live in a cold climate and/or want plants to fill in more quickly, plan to space at the shorter end of the range. If you live in a warm climate, are on a limited budget, or are willing to wait longer for plants to touch, use the higher end of the range. Using the larger number is recommended when calculating distance from a building or structure. There’s really no such thing as "maximum spacing": if you don’t want your plants to touch, you can space them as far apart as you’d like. All plant spacing is calculated on center, or in other words, the centers of the plants are spaced one half of their eventual width apart:
Unless you are planting in a straight line, as you might for hedges or edging, space your plants in a staggered or zig-zag pattern for a more interesting and naturalistic look:
Not sure just how many plants will fit in your garden? Our calculator gives you the exact amount of plants required for your space. Simply update the values and the calculator will re-calculate accordingly. Spacing information can be found in the 'How to Grow' tab on each plant's page.