Dwarf Purple Rhododendron

A dense, mounding evergreen shrub native to southwestern Sichuan and northwest Yunnan, China, reaching just 1 foot tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. Small purple to blue-purple flowers. Dark green foliage. Among the smallest rhododendron species in cultivation.

Hardy in Zone 4a-8b. Full sun to part shade on acidic, well-drained soil. The extremely compact habit makes this one of the best rhododendrons for rock gardens, troughs, and alpine plantings. Slow growth. Twenty-one diseases and 15 pests documented at the genus level. All parts contain grayanotoxins and are toxic if ingested.