Parentage: Intrifast x augustinii
Introduced: 1935
Flower description:  Tight clusters of saucer shaped flowers in rich violet-blue turning to lavender blue. Flowers April/May.
Height & habit: 60-100cm/24-36" approx. in 10 years. Blue Diamond makes a finely branched compact shrub with dark green aromatic foliage.
Uses: Ideal for bringing spring colour and year round interest to patio containers, troughs and rock gardens. A good choice for the front of a border or planting at the base of larger growing Hardy Hybrid Rhododendrons.

Parentage: carolinianum x fastigiatum
Introduced: 1958
Flower description: Masses of small bright violet purple flowers in March/April.
Height & habit: 60-100cm/24-36" approx. in 10 years.  Purple Gem makes a compact shrub with blue-green leaves.
Uses: Ideal for bringing spring colour and year round interest to patio containers, troughs and rock gardens. A good choice for the front of a border or planting at the base of larger growing Hardy Hybrid Rhododendrons.

Parentage: fastigiatum x minus Carolinianum Group
Introduced: 1940
Flower description: Clusters of small pale violet-purple flowers in March/April.
Height & habit: 100-120cm/24-36" approx. in 10 years. Ramapo makes a hardy dwarf compact shrub with blue-green leaves.
Uses: Ideal for bringing spring colour and year round interest to patio containers, troughs and rock gardens. A good choice for the front of a border or planting at the base of larger growing Hardy Hybrid Rhododendrons.