Catawba Rhododendron

Botanical Name: Rhododendron catawbiense Grandiflorum

Common Name: Catawba Rhododendron

Mature Height and Width:
6–10' tall × 6–10' wide

Growth Habit: Broad, rounded to slightly spreading evergreen shrub with a substantial, layered branching framework. More open and natural in habit than many hybrid cultivars. Moderate growth rate.

Foliage Description: Large, thick, leathery dark green evergreen leaves. Elliptic in shape with a slightly coarse texture. Leaves are longer and heavier than compact hybrid selections.

Flower Description: Large, rounded trusses of lavender-purple to violet flowers with darker spotting in the upper lobes. Individual florets are broad and slightly wavy along the edges.

Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer

Fall Color: Evergreen

Light Requirements: Partial shade to filtered sun; tolerates morning sun in Zones 5–7.

Hardiness Zone: USDA Zones 4–8

Notable Landscape Uses:
Woodland-edge plantings; native gardens; large-scale foundation plantings; mass plantings; informal evergreen hedge; naturalized shade plantings.

Deer Resistance: Low to Moderate
Rhododendrons are commonly browsed by deer, particularly flower buds and tender new growth. Protection is recommended in moderate to heavy deer pressure areas in Zones 5–7.