Catawba Rosebay

(Rhododendron catawbiense)

Catawba Rosebay (Rhododendron catawbiense)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Rhododendron catawbiense, commonly known as Catawba Rosebay, is an evergreen shrub native to the forested mountain regions of the Eastern United States, particularly the Appalachian Mountains. It typically grows to about 3 meters tall with a similar spread, and it has a dense, rounded form. The leaves are leathery, dark green, and oblong, measuring 6–12 cm in length and 2–4 cm in width. From late spring to early summer, it produces showy clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers, each 3-4.5 cm in diameter, with a vibrant violet-purple hue and occasional small spots or streaks. The fruit is a dry capsule, which is not particularly ornamental. Catawba Rosebay is valued for its spectacular spring bloom and is used in landscape design for mass plantings, foundation plantings, and as a specimen in woodland gardens.

Catawba Rosebay thrives in acidic, well-drained soils and prefers part shade, though it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. It requires consistent moisture but does not do well in waterlogged conditions. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and protect the shallow root system. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to pests such as vine weevil and diseases like root rot if conditions are not ideal. It is important to avoid planting it in areas with poor drainage or heavy clay soils. The cultivars ’Purple Elegans’, ’Roseus Elegans’, and ’Grandiflorum’ are popular for their larger or more colorful flowers.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 6-10 feet
  • Width: 8-12 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Forested mountain regions of the Eastern United States, particularly the Appalachian Mountains

Other Names

Common Names: Catawba Rhododendron , Mountain Rosebay , Purple Laurel , Purple Ivy , Mountain Rose Bay , Red Laurel , Rosebay Laurel , Catawba-Rododendron , Parkrododendron

Scientific Names: Rhododendron catawbiense , Rhododendron catawbiense f. tomopetalum , Azalea catawbiensis , Hymenanthes catawbiensis , Rhododendron ×clivianum , Rhododendron ×russelianum , Rhododendron catawbiense f. catawbiense

GBIF Accepted Name: Rhododendron catawbiense Michx.