SCIENTIFIC NAME: Rhododendron catawbiense 'Boursault' (H-1)

COMMON NAME: Boursault Catawba Rhododendron

GARDEN SIZE: 6 ft. tall and wide in 10 years, can reach 15 ft. tall with age

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 4-8

EXPOSURE: Full to Partial Shade.

WATER & SOIL: Keep soil moist but well-drained (no wet feet); prefers humus-rich, acidic soil. Avoid heavy clay.

HABIT (FORM): Upright, dense

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; broad green leaves

FLOWERS: Showy, large bell-shaped lavender flowers with occasional reddish brown markings; blooms in spring

PLANT ORIGIN: Eastern U.S. (Appalachian Mountains, Maryland to Kentucky south to Alabama and Georgia)

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May provide some nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals, but does not serve as much of a host for local insects and wildlife. May provide food for insects in the spring.

FERTILIZING: Apply a fertilizer for acid-loving plants in the early spring.

PRUNING: Remove spent flower clusters immediately after the blooms finish. Pruning is not usually needed or recommended, but may be done right after blooming is finished in late spring or early summer.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.

USES: Hedge, Foundation planting, Specimen