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Catawba Rosebay

Rhododendron catawbiense

The broad evergreen rhododendron of the southern Appalachian balds, with big trusses of lilac-purple flowers in late spring. Parent of nearly every hardy hybrid rhododendron in the trade, and hardier than most of them. Demands acidic, sharply drained soil; all parts are toxic if eaten.

Family

Ericaceae

Type

tree

Lifespan

perennial

Height

6–10 ft

Spacing

8–12 ft apart

Light

shade

Soil moisture

moist, dry

Soil pH

acidic

Bloom

April, May, June

Bloom colors

pink, purple

Wildlife value

pollinators, hummingbirds

Caterpillar hosts

~51 butterfly & moth species

Landscape uses

specimen, hedge or screen, foundation

Native states

AL, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV