Beautiful clusters of large, long-lasting, lilac-purple, trumpet-shaped flowers with lightly speckled throats on an attractive, vigorous evergreen shrub with dense, deep green foliage. Excellent as an accent or background shrub in a mixed border or foundation planting, en masse as a showy group planting, or as an informal hedge. It is native to the eastern US from Maryland to Kentucky to Alabama and Georgia.

Growth Habit

Moderate growing; reaches 5 ft. tall and wide. It typically grows from 6 to 10 feet tall, sometimes reaching heights of up to 20 feet. It may become sparse and rangy when grown in unfavorable conditions. The flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, so consider Catawba Rhododendron for butterfly and pollinator gardens. As an evergreen it adds interest in winter and gardens and naturalized areas. It can be a specimen, planted in small groups or mass planted and used as a hedge. 

Care

Plant this shrub in full to partial shade in acidic, rich, well-drained but moist soils. The root system is shallow so 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 the morning sun, the plant does need protection from harsh afternoon rays and wind. It tolerates almost full shade conditions. Being from the mountain regions, it prefers cooler temperatures in the summer.

Toxicity

All parts of this rhododendron shrub are toxic to humans and pets. It is deer and rabbit resistant.