Abe Arnott Rhododendron

One of the great things about growing rhododendrons is the huge range of colors available. When choosing, don’t make the mistake of sticking to pinks and reds – branch out into other colors – your garden will look so much better. That’s why we recommend the Abe Arnott Rhododendron, because it’s striking purple flowers will lift your garden to a higher dimension, and make those other colors look even better. With huge trusses of 16 blooms, each one 4 inches across, this plant really puts on a show. The flowers are a rich purple, and there is a large and striking blotch of very dark purple that is almost black on the upper petal. This bush really is eye-catching in bloom, and it is also a good-sized bush, growing 5 feet tall and wide within just 10 years, and ultimately as much as double that. The large, leathery leaves are deep green, and since they stay on the bush for 3 years they make it full and bushy. A great choice to plant behind some of the lower rhododendrons and azaleas, either around your home or in a more natural, woodland setting.

• Stunning rich purple blooms have a near-black large accent blotch
• Big, 4-inch blooms are 16 to the truss – a massive display of beauty
• Large dark-green leaves make for a substantial bush
• Terrific color accent when planted with pinks
• Should be grown in acidic soils

Plant the Abe Arnott Rhododendron where it has a little morning sun, then shade, or in full light shade beneath deciduous trees or on the north of a building. Grow it in soil with a pH value below 6, in moist, rich, but well-drained soils. Improve the soil by adding lime-free compost, rotted leaves or pine needles, and use more as a mulch. Water new plants regularly, close to the base, and water established plants too, as needed – they are not drought resistant. Hardy in warmer parts of zone 6 – plant in a sheltered spot and use anti-desiccant spray for the first few winters in cold areas. Not eaten by deer, and generally free of pests or diseases. Pruning is not advised, but snap out dead flower heads just above the topmost leaves, as soon as the blossoms fall – this encourages more flowers the following spring.