Boursault Rhododendron

Many people don’t realize that rhododendrons are not just exotic plants from far away. Some are native plants, right at home in America, where they developed. One is the Catawba Rhododendron, which grows wild through the southeast. When taken to Europe gardeners were amazed – and promptly set about selecting even better forms from among the seedlings they grew. One of the very best was found in France – the Boursault Rhododendron. This large shrub is spectacular in bloom, with big trusses of showy purple-pink flowers. A vigorous and fast-growing plant, it will soon enough pass 6 feet in height, and mature at least 12 feet tall, or even more. A great background shrub for large beds, or out among trees in a wooded area. It flowers profusely in spring, and then shows off its large, glossy leaves of deep green for the rest of the time. Why look to exotics, when you can have native shrubs of this level of beauty?

• A spectacular spring display of purple-pink blooms
• A large, vigorous shrub, maturing around 12 feet tall and wide
• Large leaves give a substantial evergreen look
• A good choice for cool zones, and for hot ones too
• Best in acidic soils for good growth

Plant the Boursault Rhododendron where it has morning sun and afternoon shade, if possible, or in light shade, such as we find beneath deciduous trees and in the shadow of a building. Acidic soil is needed for adequate growth, and the pH value is best below 6.0. The soil should be well-drained, and not regularly dry. Use plenty of lime-free compost, rotted leaves or pine needles as soil additives and as mulch. This plant isn’t really drought tolerant, so water new plants regularly, and older ones during times of drought. It is generally free of pests or diseases, and it isn’t eaten by deer. Don’t allow horses or livestock to eat the leaves. Pruning isn’t needed, and we don’t advise it, but younger plants should have the old flower heads removed. Snap them off just above the topmost leaves, to encourage good blooming the following year.