Rhododendron catawbiense Boursault

Rhododendron x catawbiense 'Boursault' is a vigorous bush that forms a rounded dome 2.50 m (8ft) high. The vegetation is covered in late spring with a magnificent mauve flowers, which stands out well against the dark green evergreen foliage. Very hardy, this large Rhododendron tolerates the sun well in northern regions, planted in slightly moist acidic soil. A magnificent heathland plant to be placed as a specimen or in a group, at the edge of large trees or to form unique hedges. 

Rhododendrons are plants of the Ericaceae family, which includes many ornamental genera of great value, such as Heather (Erica and Calluna), Kalmia, Leucothoe, Oxydendrum, Gaultheria, and many others. The vast majority of these plants prefer soils devoid of limestone, with an acidic tendency, as well as humid and temperate climates in summer. Rhododendron catawbiense is a large species, native to the U.S.A, more precisely the mountain slopes of the southern Appalachians, which extend from Virginia to Georgia. It is characterised by remarkable resistance to cold and diseases that can affect these shrubs. Frequently planted in American gardens, it has been hybridised with species native to the less hardy Himalayas to produce some of our most spectacular rhododendrons.

'Boursault' is a very old variety, introduced to the market before 1850, and certainly one of the best known. This Rhododendron forms a large bush with a rounded habit, wider than it is tall. Its growth is relatively fast, reaching 1.75 m (6ft) to 2 m (7ft) in height in ten years, and then continuing to grow to at least 2.50 m (8ft) in height and 3 m (10ft) in spread under good conditions. The branches are abundantly adorned with beautiful dark green glossy foliage, composed of evergreen elliptical leaves. The flowering, particularly luxuriant, begins at the end of May and lasts for almost a month. The large funnel-shaped flowers are gathered in absolutely magnificent spherical clusters, well highlighted by the dark foliage. The colour of the flowers, a bright mauve with a small yellow-orange macule, is particularly bright in semi-shaded situations.

Rhododendron catawbiense 'Boursault' is a plant that offers a great spectacle, and is also decorative outside of flowering with its graphic habit, rounding with age. Planted as a specimen on a lawn, it will be a point of interest in spring.  It can be planted in the background of superb Kalmias, or Mountain Laurels, with their colourful blooms, or Japanese Andromedas (Pieris) with delicate bell-shaped flowers. For a floral scene, it can be associated with the essential Camellias, whose numerous varieties ensure months of flowering.