Rhododendron catawbiense

Catawba Rhododendron, is a large broadleaf evergreen, rounded to spreading, multi-stemmed shrub that often form dense thickets in the blueberry family.  It is native to the woodland slopes and ridges in the eastern U.S. along the Appalachian Mountain range, spedically in the Catawba region in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  It typically grows from 6-10’ feet tall sometimes reaching heights of up to 20’ feet becoming sparse and rangy when grown in unfavorable conditions.  Its large flower buds appear before flowering and burst forth with showy pink to light purple flowers in the late spring to early summer. The bark is gray-brown and becomes scaly as it matures.  It is often used as a handsome, leathery, broadleaf evergreen, as a specimen plant, in mass planting, or occasionally in hedges. 

Plant this shrub in the partial shade in acidic, rich, well-drained but moist soils, adding acidifying amendments if your soil test indicates it.  If your soil is neutral or alkaline, additional applications of acidfiers annually will likely be necessary.  The root system is shallow to annual mulching will help retain moisture and keep soil temperatures even.  It is important not to let the soil dry out completely or this will damage the roots.  While it handles morning sun does need protection from harsh afternoon rays and wind.  It does tolerate almost full shade conditions. Being from the mountain regions, it prefers cooler temperatures in the summer.

The genus name Rhododendron derives from the Greek words rhodo which means rose and dendron meaning tree. 
 

Fire Risk: This plant has a high flammability rating and should not be planted within the defensible space of your home. Select plants with a low flammability rating for the sites nearest your home. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Rhododendrons are susceptible to insect and disease problems.  Insect problems include aphids, borers, lacebugs, leafhoppers, mealybugs, mites, nematodes, scale, thrips, and whitefly.  Diseases include canker, crown rot, root rot, leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew.  Full sun can scorch the leaves and the roots rot if the soil does not drain well.  This plant is frequently damaged by deer.

Quick ID Hints:

• Long, leathery leaves, in tiers, congested at branch tips
• Large,5-lobed bell-shaped flowers with maculations
• Terminal clusters of flowers in a raceme
• Evergreen shrub, tiered, sympodial growth
• Juvenile twigs yellowish

For suitable alternatives, see this video created by Charlotte Glen as part of the Plants, Pests, and Pathogens series.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Rhododendron.