Rhododendron ‘PJM Regal’

Rhododendron ‘PJM Regal’: Lavender Spring Fragrance

An early-season favourite, Rhododendron ‘PJM Regal’ greets spring with clusters of slightly fragrant lavender-pink flowers in early to mid spring. The bloom display is bright and cheerful, especially in part shade where the colour holds beautifully. Glossy, dark green evergreen foliage keeps the plant looking crisp through summer, then shifts to an impressive purple in fall for a second season of interest. With a fast growth rate and an upright, spreading habit, it quickly becomes a reliable, year-round backbone for shaded garden designs.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 180 cm
• Spread: 150 cm
• Flower Colour: Lavender-pink
• Flowering Period: Early to mid spring
• Foliage: Glossy dark green evergreen foliage, turning purple in fall
• Sunlight Requirements: Part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich, acidic soil

Uses and Benefits: ‘PJM Regal’ is a strong choice for woodland borders, foundation plantings, and mixed evergreen beds where early colour makes a real difference. Use it to anchor part-shade plantings, build a soft screen, or repeat it along a path for a tidy, cohesive look. The lightly fragrant flowers add extra charm up close, while the fall foliage colour helps carry the planting into the cooler months. Its dense, evergreen habit also brings welcome structure through winter.

Care Instructions: Plant in part shade in a sheltered spot, then mulch generously with pine bark or shredded leaves to keep roots cool and evenly moist. Water deeply during establishment and in dry weather, since rhododendrons perform best with consistent moisture and excellent drainage. Avoid heavy soils that stay wet, and protect from drying winds where possible. If feeding is needed, apply a gentle fertilizer for acid-loving shrubs in spring. Deadhead after flowering for a cleaner look, and prune only lightly right after bloom to preserve next year’s buds.

History: ‘PJM Regal’ is part of the well-known PJM group, valued for dependable performance in cooler climates, early flowering, and attractive evergreen foliage that colours up as the season shifts. It remains a go-to selection for gardeners who want spring bloom, seasonal foliage interest, and a sturdy evergreen presence in one plant.

Final Thoughts: With fragrant lavender-pink flowers early in the season and purple-tinged foliage in fall, ‘PJM Regal’ brings long-lasting personality to part-shade gardens while staying neat, evergreen, and reliably beautiful.