Catawba White Rhododendron
Catawba White Rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense 'Album')
Catawba White Rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense 'Album'), also known as White Catawba Rhododendron, is a hardy, broadleaf evergreen shrub prized for its large white flower clusters and dense green foliage. A classic landscape choice for cool climates, it provides bold spring bloom and year-round structure in shaded to partly sunny gardens.
Distinctive Features
This cultivar typically reaches 6 to 8 feet tall and wide, forming a full, rounded shape with thick, leathery, dark green leaves. In mid to late spring, it produces prominent dome-shaped trusses of pure white flowers with faint yellow or green markings. It�s derived from the Appalachian-native Rhododendron catawbiense, giving it excellent cold hardiness and dependable performance.
Growing Conditions
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade; tolerates full sun in cooler zones
- Soil Type: Moist, well-drained, organic-rich soil
- Soil pH: Acidic
- Water Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8
Ideal Uses
- Focal point in shaded or north-facing foundation beds
- Massed along woodland edges or mixed evergreen borders
- Screening or informal hedging in acidic soil areas
- Anchor shrub in classic rhododendron groupings
- Pollinator-friendly planting in naturalized landscapes
Low Maintenance Care
- Mulch yearly to keep roots cool and soil acidic
- Water regularly, especially during dry summer periods
- Prune just after flowering to shape and remove spent blooms
- Fertilize in spring with an acid-based formulation
- Protect from winter winds in exposed areas
Why Choose Catawba White Rhododendron
- Showy white blooms brighten spring landscapes
- Hardy and reliable even in colder northern climates
- Dense evergreen foliage provides year-round structure
- Ideal for traditional, woodland, or naturalized gardens
- A refined focal point for shaded or partly shaded sites
Catawba White Rhododendron combines cold hardiness, large white flowers, and evergreen strength�making it a dependable and elegant focal point for landscapes across a wide climate range.
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