Black Hat®

Rhododendron x

Family: Ericaceae Unknown Shrub

Black Hat® is an evergreen hybrid rhododendron in the Ericaceae family bred by Dr. Tom Ranney of NCSU with parentage of Elite x Bubblegum. It has a compact habit, growing 3 feet tall and wide with a well-branched, rounded habit. Plant Black Hat® in full sun to partial sun in acidic, moist, well-drained soils. Fertilize with a product for acid-loving plants in spring as new growth appears. No deadheading or pruning required.. The pink to reddish-purple flowers have darker blotches and appear in clusters in early spring. The bloom season is extended because of its triploid DNA. The thick leaves are purplish-green, providing year-long interest. In cooler weather, they become nearly black. Use this shrub as a specimen, in groups, as a foundation plant or in the winter, cottage or pollinator garden border. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Insect problems include aphids, borers, lace bugs, leafhoppers, mealybugs, mites, nematodes, scale, thrips, and whitefly. Diseases include canker, crown rot, root rot, leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew. This plant is frequently damaged by deer. See pests of rhododendrons to the left. VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for " Trees, Shrubs and Conifers " a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 47 attributes.