Rhododendron impeditum f. ALBUM dwarf purple rhododendron

Dwarf purple rhododendron is one of the hardiest and reliable species in our region, favoured even by growers who aren't particularly fond of the large-flowered hybrids. It is a small, slow-growing, and very dense evergreen shrub with tiny, oval-elongated, bluish-green, aromatic leaves.

Album is a form rather than a recognized variety, a selection which is characterized by very light lilac-pink to nearly white flowers. These are small, bell-shaped but widely open, and although their colour is not particularly striking, the entire shrub is enchanting thanks to them. Mature plants bloom so profusely that the leaves disappear completely under a blanket of flowers for a few weeks. The main flowering season is from late April to mid-May, though it can produce a few more blooms at the beginning of autumn. It grows in a cushion-like form, rarely reaching 50 cm in height, but it can be twice as wide by around 15 years of age.

As a sun-tolerant species, it can be placed in a large rockery, or a border with other sun-loving ericaceous plants like heather, mountain laurels, and deciduous azaleas. It is a perfect ground cover under tall trees and a low-growing companion for compositions with large shrubs. Unless you are making a bonsai, do not prune it.

Grow this dwarf type in any location, from full sun to full shade, just make sure it is always well mulched. The roots are shallow, spreading to the sides in search of nutrients. Never plant it too deep. The soil has to be acidic (pH 4.5-5.5), rich in humus, cool, and always moist. The ideal soil mixture is peat with lime-free, light garden soil, topped with leaf mould. Very hardy to about -34 °C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 14-03-2025