Rhododendron Boursault
Boursault Catawba Rhododendron
Catawbiense Boursault (Rhododendron ‘Catawbiense Boursault’) is an evergreen rhododendron with purple flowers. Its display arrives in the later part of the rhododendron flowering season, with the exact timing influenced by local weather. The flower tubes widen into flared faces that display the color clearly. Clusters commonly carry about 17 blossoms. Contrasting pale brown markings add detail within the flower faces.
The plant develops outward-spreading growth and a dense crown. Its foliage is retained through winter, keeping a leafy framework between flowering seasons. Allow space for the branches to develop without crowding nearby plants or paths.
This cultivar tolerates sun, with light shade useful in hotter positions. Provide acidic, humus-rich soil with good drainage, maintain moisture during dry weather and keep mulch away from the stems.
Size guide
• Height: About 6 ft at 10 years; growth continues afterward
• Width: Allow for the cultivar’s natural branch spread; a verified numerical spread is not available in this reference.
Hardiness
• Approximate cold tolerance: -20°F
• USDA cold-limit equivalent: Zone 5a
This equivalence is calculated from the published temperature rating. Local conditions and summer climate also affect performance.
Best Uses
• Border
• Woodland Gardens
• Accent Plant
- Plant type
- Broadleaf Evergreen, Evergreen Shrub, Flowering evergreen shrub
- Height
- 6 ft+
- Width
- 6'-8'
- Hardiness zones
- 5a–8
- Sunlight
- Full sun to part shade
- Bloom time
- Spring to summer
- Flower color
- Purple
- Leaf color
- Green
- Fall color
- Green
- Attracts
- Butterflies
- Soil
- Acidic, Humus rich, Moist well-drained
- Landscape use
- Accent Plant, Border, Woodland Gardens
- Shape
- Dense, Spreading
- Fruit
- No
- Fragrant
- No
- Deer resistant
- No
- Salt tolerant
- No
- Drought tolerant
- No
- 10-year height
- 6 ft