About Rhododendron dauricum L.
Rhododendron dauricum L. is a compact semi-evergreen shrub that reaches 1.5 m (5 ft) in both height and width. It produces purple flowers that open in late winter or early spring, before its dark green leaves emerge. In cultivation, R. dauricum is the parent basis of the PJM rhododendron hybrid, which is a cross between Rhododendron dauricum and Rhododendron carolinianum. The cultivar 'Mid-winter', which bears bright pink flowers, has earned the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. This shrub is hardy to temperatures as low as −20 °C (−4 °F). Like all rhododendrons, it needs a sheltered growing location with dappled shade, and acid soil enriched with leaf mould.
