Rhododendron catawbiense 'Boursault' (Catawba Rhododendron)

Rhododendron catawbiense 'Boursault' is a vigorous, uniquely-flowering cultivar of Catawba rhododendron, also called mountain rosebay, a large, evergreen shrub found in the uplands of the southern Appalachian range and Smokey Mountain states. The 'Boursault' cultivar, named after a pink-purple climbing rose variety, is noted for its vigorous growth habit, up to 15' tall and wide in advanced age, as well as its pink-purple blooms which become spotted with reds and orange-browns as they age. Though fairly slow growing, Rhododendron catawbiense 'Boursault' produces dense blooms in the early summer, with flowers forming in dense clusters at the tips of branches. These flower clusters tend to remain for a few weeks time, attracting a variety of pollinators, before beginning to fade as summer draws on.

Like other members of the Rhododendron genus, 'Boursault' can be fairly sensitive to soil moisture, pH, and light, and this species grows best in partial sun -- not too bright and not too dark -- and medium-moist, well draining, acidic soils with a good amount of organic nutrients. Rhododendron catawbiense 'Boursault' is among the larger-leaved southern azaleas, but is hardy to Zone 4 and will maintain its glossy, evergreen foliage fairly well throughout the colder months. Although it may be a bit finicky to get established, Rhododendrons can live for a very long time, and 'Boursault' will continue producing its profuse, striking violet flowers for years to come if you pay it some extra attention.