Rhododendron ponticum

Rhododendron ponticum ' is a medium - sized evergreen , rhododendron with a bushy , widely spreading dome - shaped habit . The leaves are narrowly elliptical, dark green with a creamy white to light yellow margin. This rhododendron species flowers mainly in May, with bell-shaped lilac to mauve bell-shaped flowers in racemes. Rhododendron ponticum likes a position in filtered sunlight or partial shade, sheltered from harsh winds and with a shaded root zone. It requires an acidic, moist, well-drained soil that should never dry out completely, needs little pruning and is very hardy.