Catawba Rhododendron

About this plant

Add a touch of timeless elegance to your landscape with the Catawba Rhododendron, 'Boursault'. This exceptionally hardy and reliable evergreen shrub is celebrated for its spectacular floral display, featuring large clusters of rosy-lilac to lavender-pink flowers with subtle yellow-green freckles. Its leathery, dark green foliage provides year-round interest, creating a lush backdrop even when not in bloom. 'Boursault' forms a robust, rounded habit, making it an excellent choice for foundation plantings, woodland gardens, or as a striking specimen plant. Renowned for its resilience and adaptability, this cultivar thrives in cooler climates and partial shade, bringing dependable beauty to your garden. Perfect for creating a sophisticated and vibrant outdoor space, the Catawba Rhododendron 'Boursault' promises a magnificent show of color and enduring appeal.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Requires acidic, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Mulch annually to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and remove spent blooms. Protect from harsh winter winds.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.