Rhododendron catawbiense 'Lee’s Dark Purple'

Lee's Dark Purple Catawba Rhododendron

The compact, but wide and bushy 'Lee's Dark Purple' is common in commerce. Avoid harsh, dry, windswept sites. Subject to winter burning of foliage in exposed sites near the limits of its range. Withstands -20 degrees Fahrenheit. Flower color bleaches out in high pH. Interveinal chlorosis can also occur in high pH soils. Sulfur can be added to increase the acidity of the soil, but this is not a permanent solution to these problems. Susceptible to a large number of pests and diseases, which can largely be prevented by good cultural practices.