At first glance, when not in bloom, one might mistake this unusual Rhododendron for a Winter Daphne. A very old cultivar, Rhododendron ponticum 'Daphnoides", commonly called Daphne Leaf Rhododendron, was developed by T. Methven & Sons in 1868, just a few years after the Civil War ended. While it shows off abundant clusters of very pretty flowers in mid to late spring, what's most unique, of course, is the foliage. The convex, spoon-shaped leaves are in tightly arranged rosettes forming a dense shrub that might reach 5 to 6 feet tall and wide at 10 years of age. The bright purple flowers come in mid-size rounded clusters that stand out beautifully against the foliage. Upon closer observation of the flower, one might notice a faint golden-orange blotch of freckles on the dorsal petal. It is perfect for partially shaded landscape and woodland borders or home foundation plantings, but not too shady as this one blooms best with 4 or more hours of sunlight per day. It will handle more sun in cool-summer climates but generally appreciates some filtered sun or shade in the afternoon. It is cold hardy to -15F (USDA Zone 5a) and heat hardy to Zone 8b in hot-summer climates and 9b where summers are cooler. Get all the details below