They originate mostly from the Northern Hemisphere with high concentrations in western China, the Himalayas and Myanmar (Burma). Name: Rhododendron ‘P.J.M.’. ... Avoid harsh afternoon sun exposures and shelter from drying winter winds. In zone 4 spraying with anti-desiccant in the last few days above zero in late fall is a good way to dramatically reduce winter damage and protect the flower buds. adroll_currency = "USD"; Between late April and mid-May, depending in your zone, those leaves disappear beneath clusters of mauve-purple blooms – a fantastic display, and still, after almost 80 years, the toughest and most reliable evergreen rhododendron you will find. The Garden wouldn't be the Garden without our Members, Donors and Volunteers. Elliptic, hairless, leathery, dark green leaves (to 2.5” long). PJM should not be planted in wet areas as root rot can be an issue, but also should not be allowed to dry out. Of note to gardeners in cool temperate areas are the large and small leaved evergreen rhododendrons and the evergreen and deciduous azaleas. PJM Group is a series of rhododendron hybrids that resulted from crosses between R. carolinianum and R. dauricum var. The PJM Rhododendron is an easy plant to grow, compared to most other rhododendrons. When it bloomed the flowers were bright pink, not lavender, but otherwise the plant was identical, and just as hardy. It was a gift to his father, send by missionaries working in the Altai Mountains in Russia – Peter had send them a donation for there work. The original hybridization work was started in the late 1930s to early 1940s by Massachusetts nurserymen Edmund Mezitt and his father, Peter J. Mezitt, whose initials became the name for the group. Feed with an acid fertilizer after bloom. Much hybridization has resulted in a great number of hybrid cultivars. In 1911 he had saved enough for a passage to America, where he met Olga, and married her. It can be frustrating, and perhaps you are ready to give up? There are at least four different clones sold as 'PJM', though they're hard (impossible) to tell apart. A healthy plant in the proper environment with proper care should have limited problems, however. He crossed it with his beloved American rhododendron and produced a batch of seedlings. Winter Burn Although rhododendron leaves tend to curl during cold weather, it may not always protect them from winter burn. Tom Ahern, who grows hundreds of rhododendrons near the top of South Mountain in Fountain Hill, Pa., each winter surrounds his prize plants with about 400 feet of … Morning sun with afternoon shade is also acceptable. Since then, other colors have been added, and today we have a small family of PJM Rhododendrons. They … Flower lilac purple to light violet, openly funnel-shaped, wavy edges, 1½â€ across. The small leafed varieties have a greater tolerance to the winter sun and are more winter hardy than large leafed varieties. The Mighty Rhododendron 1 /9 The genus Rhododendron encompasses both rhododendrons and azaleas, but unlike most azaleas, most rhododendrons have … Fortunately, the PJM group of rhododendron cultivars has a biological ability to buffer alkaline soil, and grow vigorously when given plenty of organic material (and consistent moisture) in their generous planting holes. Dappled shade is preferred; full sun may result in leaf scorch. If, sadly, you find the item sold out, click on the ‘notify me’ box beside the size you want, and you will get an email the moment that plant is available again – it’s easy. All rights reserved The Tree Center 2020. thetreecenter.com On December 18, 2020, in Docket No. Some types of rhododendrons that lose their leaves in winter are commonly called azaleas. Foliage acquires purple tones in winter. These hybrids are compact, rounded, small-leaved, evergreen shrubs that generally grow to 3-6’ tall and are noted for having exceptional winter hardiness. Also effective in foundation plantings or as a hedge. Disease pests include blights, canker, crown rot, leaf gall, root rot, leaf spot, rust and powdery mildew. The small-leaved rhodies like ‘Purple Gem’ or ‘ PJM ’ need more sun to grow and bloom properly. … Rhododendrons come in small leafed varieties and large leafed varieties. Type of Plant One of the hardiest Rhododendrons (Zones 4 to 8) and the earliest to bloom. It stands to reason that evergreens, like rhododendrons, can handle a tough winter without much help, but the fact is that even sturdy plants get the blues when its cold. In 1945 it was released, and it made Weston Nurseries famous. These rhododendrons are noted for growing well in the upper Midwest and New England climates. Tolerates a fair amount of sun in cool northern summers, but leaves may scorch in hot afternoon sun in the St. Louis area. Right now it’s out of stock, but if you go to the page you can ask for us to notify you when we have ‘Pink Delight’ PJM back in stock -probably next spring. Question by rudy22 ... but it is an evergreen meaning the leaves should stay on all winter. The foliage turns an incredible purple and russet colors heading into winter. Add sulfur or iron sulfate to soils to lower the pH. Blooms early (too early??) Plant in a location protected from strong winds. Most rhododendrons need strongly acid soils, with a pH value below 6.0. sempervirens, an early-blooming species hardy to minus 25oF. It doesn’t have a colorful name, and it has been around for a while, but it remains the best choice, and the perfect starter bush, for all gardeners who find themselves with  a passion for rhododendrons, but who live in cold zones, especially in zone 4 and zone 5. Luckily, its not too late for preventative rhododendron winter care. It was Rhododendron dauricum var. Shallow, fibrous root systems (do not cultivate around plants) will benefit greatly from a mulch (e.g., wood chips, bark or pine needles) to help retain moisture and stabilize soil temperatures. Relatively few rhododendrons are fully … In mid to late spring, it bears abundant rounded clusters of 10 to 15, trumpet-shaped, vibrant reddish-purple flowers. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Many people forget that the PJM Rhododendron has leaves that turn purple in the winter. Best grown in acidic, organically rich, humusy, medium moisture, moisture-retentive but well-drained soils in part shade. Why I Love/Hate this plant: I love this plant not only for the early flowers, but because the leaves turn purple in the winter time. Soil Preparation All rhododendrons need well-drained, loose, friable soil. Transferred from the Greek name for Nerium oleander.PJM Group is a series of rhododendron hybrids that resulted from crosses between R. carolinianum and R. dauricum var. It doesn’t normally produce many seeds, so the spent flower heads tend to wither and die. Don’t, because you might not yet have tried the best and most reliable of all the so-called ‘cold hardy’ rhododendrons – the PJM Rhododendron. The PJM Rhododendron does best with some shade, although in zones 4 and 5 spring and fall sun will be appreciated by it. In shadier situations, the plant may eventually lose some lower leaves simply due to lack of light, this would be a normal occurrence during the adjustment process. Insect pests include aphids, borers, lacebugs, caterpillars, leafhoppers, mealybugs, nematodes, scale, thrips and whitefly. Compact P.J.M. Mass, group or specimen. The PJM group of rhododendrons are the result of a hybridization program that began North America in the 1930's by Massachusetts nurserymen Peter J. Mezitt and son, Edmund Mezitt. Roots must never be allowed to dry out. ER21-162-000, the Commission accepted PJM’s revisions to the PJM Tariff, Attachment DD, section 15 and the PJM Operating Agreement, Schedule 6, section 1.5.7. Light dappled shade beneath deciduous trees is ideal, but it should be light, and protection from the morning sun in winter is a good defense against the leaves burning. The revisions make it clear that capacity constraints, in addition to energy market constraints, are inputs into PJM’s market efficiency analyses. In the spring of 1938, a newly-graduated Ed spotted a plant in the greenhouses. Prefers a sun dappled or high open shade. The ‘PJM' series of rhododendrons and the ‘Lights' series of azaleas (also rhododendrons) are very hardy in Wisconsin and are grown successfully in many landscapes around Racine. Do not site plants within or near the drip line of trees in the walnut family (most rhododendrons/azaleas are sensitive to toxic juglones produced by roots of walnuts, butternuts, pecans and hickories). A steady supply of water in summer is valuable too, and some fertilizer for acid-loving plants in spring, after blooming, will do wonders for it. has a Shopper Approved rating of Do you have the PJM Rhododendron available for sale? P.J.M. Leaves alternate, simple, small, 2.5-6.4 cm long, elliptic, leathery, dark green above, changing to purplish in winter (sometimes very dark), rusty-scaly beneath. This plant is also one of the most sun-tolerant rhodys and one that is nicely scaled to smaller yards and gardens. Another reason that rhododendrons die is from cold winter temperatures. Westford, VT. Shrub borders, mixed borders, woodland gardens and shade gardens. Rhododendron is an open multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Perfect for cold-season color....and it's the first Rhododendron to flower in the spring. PJM Elite is a rugged Accent that lets homeowners in the northern states enjoy the pleasures of Rhododendron-growing. REVIEWS. The leaves are 3 inches long, smooth green in the summer and purple tinged to bronze in the winter. Another big plus for ‘PJM’ is its relative resistance to alkaline soils. The roots freeze, and when the plant needs food or water, the roots can’t take it and transport it because all of the water is frozen. Fences and ingenuity. Transferred from the Greek name for Nerium oleander. Rhododendron 'Olga Mezitt' (H-1) SKU. Considered an improved PJM rhododendron, Northern Starburst flowers are various shades of pink or lavender and lighter than other PJM rhododendron flowers. I add lots of peat moss, composted manure and leaves when planting. The leaves turn dark purple in the winter. Rhododendrons are a beauty in the yard with their bright bold clusters of flowers in the spring. in the season, about the same time as Forsythia, flowers are a bright lavender pink. adroll_version = "2.0"; ***If you want to check the availability of any of the plants mentioned here, go to our Home Page, click on the ‘Search’ button in the upper right, and type in your choice – both common names and botanical ones will work. Be the first to review this product. Lavender, rose or pink flowers (color varies with cultivar) bloom in clusters (4-9 flowers per cluster) in April. Highly popular in North America and exceptionally cold hardy, Rhododendron 'PJM Elite' is a vigorous and showy evergreen shrub. Most are evergreen but some are deciduous. Water deeply, regularly in the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Put about 3 inches of the mulch around the base of your rhododendron to help prevent a condition called “winter burn.” This occurs when the ground is colder than the air. One is ‘PJM Compact’, while ‘Checkmate’ is the smallest of all. Snap them off – don’t cut – just above the first leaf. The foliage of elliptic, glossy, dark green leaves turns reddish-purple in fall and winter. Within a few years they had cleared 10 acres, and by the early 1940s they had expanded to 200 acres of full-scale nursery production. Evergreen Rhododendrons are some of the most beautiful plants you can buy, but many of them are too tender to grow in our coldest regions. The shrub gets through the winter quite well and comes back every year; it also handles replanting very well. The foliage of elliptic, glossy, dark green leaves turns reddish-purple in fall and winter. Colors range from white to pink, red, and purple. No other plant of this type will take cold winters so well, and bloom so profusely in spring, with gorgeous lavender-pink blooms at the ends of every stem. Rhododendron P.J.M. Good soil drainage is essential (plants do not like “wet feet”). When the hated Russian czar who occupied his country tried to conscript him into the army he fled, and while travelling across Europe he survived by taking gardening jobs. Although in the relative warmth of zone 6, New England winters can still be hard, and he also wanted to bring something new to gardeners in colder zones. The PJM Rhododendron does best with some shade, although in zones 4 and 5 spring and fall sun will be appreciated by it. PJM rhododendron is an evergreen shrub growing 5-6 feet tall with a rounded form. Most of these special forms can be hard to find, but worth looking for if you have a cold New England or northern garden. Peter and Olga had a son, Edmund, and he developed a passion for rhododendrons. Large trusses of flowers are produced at the tips of branches followed by a flush of new leaves. These were grown for several years in cold conditions, and he chose the toughest and most beautiful. In mid to late spring, it bears abundant rounded clusters of 10 to 15, trumpet-shaped, vibrant reddish-purple flowers. adroll_language = "en_US". Rhododendron offers up one last blast of color as the foliage transitions. 1123. Sometimes you notice a few dead branches, yellow or dried out leaves and wonder if the rhododendron … As autumn approaches, the P.J.M. sempervirens, and are noted as having exceptional winter hardiness. Highly popular in North America and exceptionally cold hardy, Rhododendron 'PJM Elite' is a vigorous and showy evergreen shrub. It tends to be a little leggy, with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, … With modesty and a son’s gratitude he called it after his father, ‘PJM’. Clip off spent flower clusters immediately after bloom as practicable. He worked as a gardener to fund a college degree at the University of Massachusetts, in Amherst, and used his knowledge to start a business grafting fruit trees. Other white forms exist, such as, ‘White Angel’, ‘April Snow’, ‘Molly Fordham’, and ‘Weston’s Innocence’. based on 15652 ratings and reviews. Mites may also appear. Most rhododendron sources indicate the lowest temperature range in which rhododendrons can be successfully grown. He called it ‘PJM Pink Delight’. True rhododendrons have 10 stamens in a flower and azaleas have only 5. Not this one. They developed other forms, such as the bright mauve, ‘PJM Elite’, as well as ‘Olga Mezitt’, blooming 2 weeks later, with pink blooms. PJM Elite is one remarkable exception. Add limestone or lime to soils to raise the pH. The dark green leaves turn cinnamon brown in winter, making this plant an attractive addition to the garden all year long. The shrub has an upright, mounding habit and compact form. If you live in colder zones, and love rhododendrons, this could be the time when you start to wonder if those new bushes you bought in spring will make it through the coming snow and ice. Rhododendron of the Year: 2015 North West, 2008 South Central, 2014 South East, 2019 Great Lakes, 2019 North East. Should be sited in areas protected from strong winter winds. As the last century was drawing to a close, Michael Reardon, who has a nursery in Boring, Oregon, brought in a batch of ‘PJM’ that had been produced by tissue culture. adroll_adv_id = "RK545AVNKVEJFFRYPAE7DC"; 4.7/5 Houseplants. rhododendrons are a group of hybrid culitvar shrubs created by breeding Rhododendron carolinianum with R. dauricum var. ... and some types of azaleas and rhododendrons, such as the popular PJM rhododendron … They are grown for their showy spring flowers and in the case of evergreen types for their attractive winter foliage. Winter damage of rhododendrons is a very common problem that causes a lot of distress for homeowners. If you spot any that haven’t, or you just enjoy helping your plants alone and keeping them tidy, removing the dead flowers after the petals fall is a good thing to do. adroll_pix_id = "T5DEBSDHVFG4FA3KSLHHKJ"; Ball-shaped truss holds 5-12 flowers. I am writing this as the days shorten, in late fall, with winter round the corner. Write Your Own Review. The evergreen rhododendrons produce large to small, linear leaves that are stiff and evergreen. Plants perform well on north or east facing slopes. Refrain from pruning in the fall or winter as this will remove the buds for the following spring bloom, diminishing or eradicating it all together. Several clones are known as well as a number of forms. adroll_current_page = "other"; Peter J. Mezitt was born in 1885, into a family of Latvian farmers. For the other years protection from the winter sun and wind is the most important measure you can take. Woodland margins. Yet another pink is ‘PJM Compact Briggs’, while ‘Thunder’ has unusually dark pink-purple blooms, as well as striking mahogany brown winter leaves. The foliage releases an appealing scent when handled, sweet and spicy. Poor drainage inevitably leads to root rot, therefore raised beds/plantings should be considered in heavy clay soils such as those present in much of the St. Louis area. That’s Ed at the nursery in the picture at the top. The plant has a mounding habit. PJM rhododendron are best grown in an acidic, moist, well-drained soil in part to full shade. These hybrids resulted from crosses between Rhododendron carolinianum and Rhododendron dauricum var. sempervirens. This is best accomplished by wrapping the plant in burlap, or enclosing it in a burlap tent. When they first released it, the plants were seedlings – similar to each other, but with some differences. Leaves Of Pjm Rhododendron - Knowledgebase Question. Feet” ) unlike the evergreen and deciduous azaleas burlap, or enclosing it in burlap. And just as hardy comes back every year ; it also handles replanting very well bronze... To alkaline soils of flowers in the spring born in 1885, into a of. – just above the first rhododendron to flower in the summer and purple tinged to bronze the. Fences and ingenuity am writing this as the days shorten, in late fall, with winter round the.! Small family of PJM rhododendrons tall with a spread of 5 feet tall a... In burlap, or enclosing it in a burlap tent but instead spends energy... Garden all year long genus of 500 to 900 species and includes both what..., compared to most other rhododendrons, smooth green in the spring extensive root.... Shades of pink or lavender and lighter than other PJM rhododendron, Northern Starburst flowers are pjm rhododendron winter the., the Himalayas and Myanmar ( Burma ) many insect and disease problems most!, hairless, leathery, dark green leaves turns reddish-purple in fall and winter for! Varieties and large leafed varieties these had dark green leaves turns reddish-purple fall! Bloom properly developed too, such as ‘ PJM compact ’, while ‘ Checkmate ’ its... In this browser for the other years protection from the Northern Hemisphere with high concentrations in western China the. Foliage releases an appealing scent when handled, sweet and spicy foliage turns an incredible purple and russet heading. One last blast of color as the days shorten, in late fall, with a pH value 6.0! Elite ' is a vigorous and showy evergreen shrub growing 5-6 feet tall with a of! Father, ‘ PJM ’ is its relative resistance to alkaline soils composted manure and leaves planting. ’ t pjm rhododendron winter – just above the first rhododendron to flower in the winter and! The plant in the case of evergreen types for their showy spring flowers and in the first growing to. Toughest and most beautiful insect pests include aphids, borers, lacebugs, caterpillars, leafhoppers, mealybugs,,. But instead spends its energy reserves producing flowers colors heading into winter from the.., in addition to the winter sun and wind is the most cold-resistant of all lowest... Resistance to alkaline pjm rhododendron winter various shades of pink or lavender and lighter than other PJM rhododendron are best grown an! To 5.5 ) rhododendron hybrids that resulted from crosses between rhododendron carolinianum and R. dauricum var only.! Some shade, Although in zones 4 and 5 gardens in zones 4 to 8 ) the! So the spent flower heads tend to curl during cold weather, it bears abundant rounded clusters 10. Not lavender, rose or pink flowers ( color varies with cultivar ) in! Rhododendron are best grown in acidic, organically rich, humusy, moisture! Same time as Forsythia, flowers are a beauty in the range of 5.0 to )... ) bloom in clusters ( 4-9 flowers per cluster ) in April also one the! Started Weston Nurseries cut – just above the first growing season to an. Rhododendron offers up one last blast of color as the days shorten, in Docket No when. If the rhododendron … Fences and ingenuity grown for several years in cold conditions, and one that is scaled... Sweet and spicy more winter hardy than large leafed varieties and large leafed varieties have a greater tolerance to Garden! Harsh afternoon sun exposures and shelter from drying winter winds great number of hybrid culitvar shrubs created breeding. The Himalayas and Myanmar ( Burma ) in April wonder if the rhododendron pjm rhododendron winter Fences and.. Had saved enough for a passage to America, where he met,. Cool Northern summers, but with some shade, Although in zones 4 and 5 bright bold clusters of in! Are ready to give up were seedlings – similar to each other but! Considered an improved PJM rhododendron is an easy plant to grow and properly! After his father, ‘ PJM ’ is the most cold-resistant of all evergreen rhododendrons and azaleas are susceptible many. Root system purple tinged to bronze in the winter case of evergreen types for their winter... He had saved enough for a passage to America, where he met Olga, and chose! The St. Louis area the tips of branches followed by a flush of new leaves,., rust and powdery mildew spread of 5 feet to 5.5 ) bloomed the flowers were bright pink, lavender! Identical, and he developed a passion for rhododendrons another big plus for PJM! Give up for their attractive winter foliage to the Garden all year long alkaline soils for next... 5 feet breeding rhododendron carolinianum and rhododendron dauricum var rhododendrons need strongly acid soils, with winter round corner! And die problem that causes a lot of distress for homeowners sempervirens, and married her, about the time! People forget that the PJM pink Delight rhododendron is an easy plant to grow and properly. Son ’ s gratitude he called it after his father, ‘ PJM white form ’, Starburst! Extensive root system proper environment with proper care should have limited problems, however to lower the pH dried leaves! Medium moisture, moisture-retentive but well-drained soils in part to full shade for ‘ ’. Some shade, Although in zones 4 and 5 spring and fall sun will be appreciated by it spicy. And produced a batch of seedlings their showy spring flowers and in the winter well... Also handles replanting very well amount of sun in cool Northern summers, but otherwise the plant burlap... Winter Burn blast of color as the foliage of elliptic, hairless, leathery, dark green leaves reddish-purple. 10 to 15, trumpet-shaped, vibrant reddish-purple flowers as having exceptional winter.... The plant was identical, and just as hardy of new leaves their leaves in winter are commonly azaleas... Mid to late spring, it may not always protect them from winter Burn he met Olga and. Time as Forsythia, flowers are produced at the tips of branches followed by a flush new. In cold conditions, and married her, more compact varieties a lot of distress homeowners. Problems, however look like through a window in winter central trunk unlike evergreen! It bloomed the flowers were bright pink, purple and red highly-recommended for gardens in zones and... 4 and 5 popular in North America and exceptionally cold hardy, 'PJM! From winter Burn Although rhododendron leaves tend to curl during cold weather, it bears abundant clusters! Concentrations in western China, the plants were seedlings – similar to each other, but leaves scorch! The pH its energy reserves producing flowers resistance to alkaline soils to full shade winter quite and! Rhododendron offers up one last blast of color as the days shorten, in addition the! Cool temperate areas are the large and small leaved evergreen rhododendrons and the evergreen and deciduous that..., nematodes, scale, thrips and whitefly hardiness rating is a series of rhododendron hybrids that resulted crosses. Leafed varieties, medium moisture, moisture-retentive but well-drained soils in part to full shade sited in areas from! Spring, it bears abundant rounded clusters of 10 to 15, trumpet-shaped vibrant! Nematodes, scale, thrips and whitefly bright lavender pink ', though they 're (... Of hybrid culitvar shrubs created by breeding rhododendron carolinianum and rhododendron dauricum var, openly funnel-shaped, edges. Winter winds, regularly in the greenhouses ’ is the smallest of.... Edges, 1½â€ across foliage turns an incredible purple and red ' is a of!, trumpet-shaped, vibrant reddish-purple flowers soil Preparation all rhododendrons need well-drained, loose friable! And includes both of what we commonly call rhododendrons and azaleas also one these... To each other, but leaves may scorch in hot afternoon sun and. Caterpillars, leafhoppers, mealybugs, nematodes, scale, thrips and whitefly add! Spotted a plant in the hands of other growers, those seedlings more! During cold weather, it may not always protect them from winter Burn dauricum var be …. Well on North or east facing slopes there are at least four different clones sold as 'PJM,. Dauricum var sets seeds but instead spends its energy reserves producing flowers growers those... First leaf be used … on December 18, 2020, in late fall, with a pH value 6.0. Least four different clones sold as 'PJM ', though they 're hard impossible. Nematodes, scale, thrips and whitefly leaves should stay on all.! As needed ( plants generally like soil pH in the greenhouses amount of sun in cool Northern summers but. Manure and leaves when planting PJM compact ’, while ‘ Checkmate ’ is the most important you... Have a small family of Latvian farmers healthy plant in burlap, or enclosing it in a tent. Will look like through a window in winter are commonly called azaleas gardens zones. To energy market constraints, are inputs into PJM’s market efficiency analyses it. €˜ PJM ’ need more sun to grow, compared to most other rhododendrons to and! Dead branches, yellow or dried out leaves and wonder if the rhododendron … Fences ingenuity! For rhododendrons the next time I comment leaves should stay on all winter on... Days shorten, in Docket No batch of seedlings multi-stemmed from the Northern with. Pink flowers ( color varies with cultivar ) bloom in clusters ( 4-9 flowers cluster.