PJM

PJM rhododendrons are great container plants for our area. It’s a surprise because rhododendrons and azaleas in general can be tricky in containers. In principle they should be manageable, but I rarely see happy specimens. Usually they’re just hanging on, spoiled by lacebugs.

The PJM hybrids are the workhorses of genus. Many of be best plants I see are growing in more less full sun. The bloom is a frilled, lavender-pink confection that is in poor taste but delightful just the same. After all the excitement the shrub settles into a state of handsome sobriety for the rest of the year. The leaves are small and healthy and they turn an interesting purple / bronze in the winter. Eventually the shrub builds up to about five feet.

Drainage, drainage, drainage: that’s the mantra for rhododendrons, and it shouldn’t be a problem to provide it in containers. I think it’s important to knock a lot of the potting mix out of the rootball when you plant – it’s ok to bang them around a little. Plant the crown high.
I also have a theory that the roots want to be cool. I think they do better if the container is shaded or light colored or made of wood or another insulating material. This is just my theory.