Rhododendron × 'Northern Starburst' (P.J.M. Hybrid Group)
Northern Starburst Rhododendron

Rhododendron × ′Northern Starburst′ (P.J.M. Hybrid Group) - Bark

Family:

Ericaceae (Heath Family) 30

Genus:

Rhododendron (Azalea Rhododendron Catawba Rosebay) 21

Plant Type:

Shrub 468

Growth Forms:

Bushy 192

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 4 552

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Evergreen 268

Flower Notes:

Purple (Showy, vivid, mauve flowers in mid to late April)

Foliage Notes:

Green (Glossy, deep green evergreen foliage in the spring and summer); Purple (Purple-black fall and winter foliage)

Fruit Notes:

Brown (Not ornamentally important)

Ultimate Height:

4-5 feet

Ultimate Spread:

4-5 feet

Light Requirements:

Soil Notes:

Requires moist, cool, acidic, well drained, organic soil; avoid harsh, dry, windswept sites

Range:

Hybrid origin

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Leaves (1.25-2.5") are rusty-scaly beneath. Leaves elliptic, leathery, dark green above in summer becoming purple-black in the fall and winter winter.

Purdue Plant Doctor

Parts and Problems of Rhododendron

Special Characteristics:

Flowering Characteristics 273

Additional Information

One of the most cold tolerant flower buds of the evergreen rhododendrons. Flowers can become a dirty looking mauve-lavender soon after opening. Susceptible to a large number of pests and diseases, which can largely be prevented by good cultural practices.