Rhododendron 'Catawbiense' - Shrub

You can plant the rhododendron 'Catawbiense' after receiving it in a flower pot, a patio pot or in the garden. Make sure the root ball of the rhododendron is well-moistened by soaking it in a bucket of lukewarm water. Choose a flower pot with holes in the base and cover the bottom with potsherds or a layer of hydro granules. Put fresh potting compost in the pot and plant the root ball at the right depth. Fill the flower pot further with compost and press firmly. When you plant the shrub in the garden, dig a spacious planting hole of 50 x 50 x 50 cm. Loosen the soil well and plant the roots of Rhododendron 'Catawbiense' at the right depth in the planting hole (just below ground level). Fill the hole with soil and press firmly. Water immediately after planting. Rhododendron 'Catawbiense' grows well in acid soil, rich in humus. Improve the garden soil with garden peat. It's best not to plant the rhododendrons in clay based soil. They enjoy a spot in partial shade or full shade.

The beloved rhododendron is a strong bush that keeps its leaves in the winter. In May the wonderful bright pink-purple flower racemes appear. The heart of each flower is a slightly lighter colour and decoratively marked. In the garden the rhododendron 'Catawbiense' can become a strong bush, but remains more compact when planted in a flower pot or patio pot. Handsome as a solitary feature or in combination with for example Camelia.

Rhododendron 'Catawbiense' is a strong bush that demands little attention. Make sure the soil around the roots does not dry out. When deadheading, gently remove the flowers without damaging the new bud beneath it. You can cut back any shoots that are too long. Old bushes can be thinned out if necessary. You can cut the rhododendron back strongly, but unfortunately this does have an effect on the flowering.