Rhododendron catawbiense
Catawba Rhododendron

Family:

Ericaceae (Heath Family) 30

Genus:

Rhododendron (Azalea Rhododendron Catawba Rosebay) 21

Plant Type:

Shrub 474

Growth Forms:

Upright 541

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 4 493

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Evergreen 250

Flower Notes:

Purple (Lilac to pink 2.5" dia. flowers with yellow or green spots in the throat; in 5-6" dia. umbel-like racemes, appearing in late May)

Foliage Notes:

Green (Dark glossy green leaves, more whitish glabrous beneath; evergreen)

Fruit Notes:

Brown (Capsules that are not ornamentally important)

Ultimate Height:

6-10 feet

Ultimate Spread:

5-8 feet

Light Requirements:

Soil Notes:

Requires moist, cool, acidic, well drained, organic soil; avoid harsh, dry, windswept sites

Range:

Virginia to Georgia

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Alternate, simple, thick, dark green 3-5" long and 1-2" wide leaves are whitish glabrous beneath. Somewhat cupped. The petiole is 1/2-1 1/4" long.

Special Characteristics:

Flowering Characteristics 381

Additional Information

The Catawba Rhododendron is considered to be one of the hardiest rhododendron species. Beautiful plant when it is used in mass. Flower color of the species does not combine well with some other flower colors. Flower color bleaches out in high pH. Subject to winter burning of foliage in exposed sites near the limits of its range. Both flowers and foliage are of equal value in the landscape. Cultivars are usually less hardy than species. Susceptible to a large number of pests and diseases, which can largely be prevented by good cultural practices.