Native Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

Search native plant database:
Name:    
Family:    

Rhododendron catawbiense (Catawba rosebay)
Martin, Edwin M.

Rhododendron catawbiense Michx.

Catawba rosebay, Purple rhododendron, Red laurel, Catawba rhododendron, Mountain rosebay

Ericaceae (Heath Family)

USDA Symbol: RHCA8

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A mound-shaped, broadleaf evergreen shrub, 6-20 ft. tall, with stout, picturesque, ascending branches. The foliage is dense, thick, glossy and dark green, often in winter developing a yellow-green cast. The numerous bell-shaped, rosy-lilac flowers occur in dense, terminal clusters. An evergreen shrub with clusters of large, rose or purple-lilac, funnel-shaped flowers.

This attractive flowering shrub with southern affinities forms dense thickets on mountain slopes. Frequently used as an ornamental, it has been hybridized with the less hardy Himalayan species to produce some of our most spectacular showy rhododendrons.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Size Class: 12-36 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Pink , Purple
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun

Distribution

USA: AL , GA , KY , MA , NC , SC , TN , VA , WV
Native Distribution: VA to KY, s. to GA & AL
Native Habitat: Mountain woods; rocky slopes
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Shade
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Various well-drained soils.

Propagation

Description: Combine seeds loosely with sphagnum moss and sprinkle lightly over a 2:1 perlite/peat mixture. Germinate under mist or a plastic tent. Optimum temperatures for germination are 45-50 degrees. Transplant seedlings to acid soil with a high content of orga
Seed Treatment: No pretreatment is necessary.
Commercially Avail: yes
Please support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

LAMTREE FARM - Warrensville, NC

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE

Bibliography

Gardening with Native Plants of the South (1994) Wasowski and Wasowski

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Rhododendron catawbiense in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Rhododendron catawbiense in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Rhododendron catawbiense

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-02-18
Research By: TWC Staff

Go back