Boursault Rhododendron

Boursault Rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense 'Boursault')

Boursault Rhododendron is a classic broadleaf evergreen shrub that brings reliable late-spring color and year-round structure to part-shade landscapes. Its dense, leathery foliage keeps foundation beds and woodland borders looking full through winter, so the planting never feels empty. When it blooms, large trusses of rosy lavender to lilac-purple flowers create a rich, traditional look that instantly elevates the space. It is a dependable choice for building long-term mass, privacy, and a mature landscape feel.

Distinctive Features

This Catawba rhododendron selection forms a sturdy, rounded shrub with thick green leaves and showy flower trusses that often feature a deeper blotch in the throat for added depth. The bloom display is substantial and tends to be very consistent year to year when the plant is sited well. Mature size is typically about 6 to 8 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide, giving it the scale to function as a true evergreen anchor in foundation plantings and large borders.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Part shade is ideal, with morning sun and afternoon shade helping foliage and flowers look their best.
• Soil: Acidic, organic, well-drained soil is essential, and it benefits from a mulch-rich, woodland-style bed.
• Water: Keep evenly moist, especially during establishment and summer heat, avoiding soggy conditions.
• USDA Zones: Zones 4 to 8.
• Deer: Deer may browse, so protect plants where pressure is high.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a focal point in a shaded foundation bed or border where the large flower trusses can carry the late-spring display.
• Evergreen Screening: Plant in groups to create dense, year-round privacy and a strong backdrop for perennials.
• Foundation Planting: Brings a classic, substantial evergreen presence along homes and buildings.
• Woodland Edge: Fits naturally under open canopies and along tree lines with other acid-loving plants.
• Mass Planting: Creates an established, upscale look when planted in repeating groups.

Low Maintenance Care

• Planting: Plant shallow with the root flare slightly above grade, and choose a sheltered site away from harsh winter wind.
• Mulching: Mulch with pine bark or similar organic material to conserve moisture and support soil acidity.
• Watering: Water deeply during dry spells, especially in summer and before the ground freezes in late fall.
• Pruning: Prune right after flowering if needed, and remove spent flower trusses to tidy the plant and support bud set.
• Feeding: Use a light feeding for acid-loving shrubs after bloom if growth is weak, avoiding heavy fertilization.

Why Choose Boursault Rhododendron?

• Classic Bloom Color: Rosy lavender to lilac-purple trusses deliver a traditional late-spring highlight.
• Cold Hardy Type: Catawba rhododendron heritage supports reliable performance in colder climates.
• Evergreen Structure: Dense foliage provides year-round mass and a finished landscape look.
• Excellent for Screening: Mature size makes it ideal for privacy plantings and evergreen backdrops.
• Long-Term Presence: A durable shrub that becomes more impressive and structural with each year.

If you want a substantial evergreen rhododendron with dependable bloom and real landscape weight, Boursault Rhododendron is a strong choice. It delivers a rich late-spring display, then holds your planting together with dense evergreen foliage through every season.