Rhododendron 'Bluejay'
 |
Family: Ericaceae
Pronounced: ro-do-DEN-dron
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Shrubs.
 |
Mature size: Height: 5-7 feet (1.5-2 m). Width: 5 (1.5 m).
Flowering period: May through June.
Flowering attributes: Lavender flowers with dark, purple blotch on small trusses, bearing 15 flowers per truss.
Leaf attributes: Lance-shaped, dark green leaves.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Humus rich, acidic, moist, well-drained soil.
Pruning Methods: Carefully deadhead spent flowers so you do not prune out the new leaf buds. After flowering, prune any dead or crossed branches, or to keep shrub in shape.
Rainy Side Notes
Rhododendron ‘Blue Jay’ is a ponticum hybrid. Blooming late in the season, the lavender-blue flowers with a dark blotch is an attention grabber in the garden. It tends to sprawl and get leggy but regular pruning helps keep this habit in check. Give it plenty of room to grow.
Cultivate lightly around the base of rhododendrons so as not to damage their shallow roots.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
Questions, comments or suggestions? Would you like to communicate with other Pacific Northwest gardeners? Please join us on our forum.