This vigorous evergreen suckering shrub has upright and spreading branches that form a dense rounded crown. It has glossy dark green oblong leaves and the broad funnel-shaped purplish flowers appear in a large cluster from late spring to early summer. 

Hardiness zones 7 to 9 

Rhododendron ponticum is naturally found from Spain, Portugal and Turkey extending eastwards to Asia and China growing on the fringes in woodlands or in disturbs soils from sea-level to an altitude of 1800 m (5, 500 ft). It appears as understory amongst coniferous forests and at higher altitudes and grows above the tree line as a dwarf shrub. 

It prefers an open sunny to partially shaded position and grows in well-drained moderately fertile moist soils that a tending acidic and is frost and mildly drought tolerant. 

Pontic Rhododendron is grown for its flowers and spreading habit. It is planted in parks and gardens along borders or in the understory in woodland settings. It is suitable for coastal and low-mountain regions establishing in 3-4 years and is moderately long-lived. ID 3561

Note:
Care should be taken when planting this shrub as it can be invasive and has naturalised in Great Britain and New Zealand where it is regarded as a serious weed.

Rhododendron (ro-do-DEN-dron) ponticum (PON-tee-kum)

'Rhododendron': from Greek rhodon + dendron - rose tree

Ericaceae (er-ek-AY-see-ee)
Bilberries, Blueberries,Cranberies, Heathers, Heaths, Rhododendrons, Wintergreens