Catawba Rosebay
Rhododendron catawbiense
- Native to:
- United States
Chrumps
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ericaceae
- Genus:
- Rhododendron
- Species:
- Rhododendron catawbiense
- USDA Symbol:
- RHCA8
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, purple, lavender, white
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Io moth (Automeris io)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.0 (acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Prefers organic matter-rich soils
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–42 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination; surface sow on moist peat-based medium.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Notes: Seeds require cold-moist stratification before germination.
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Requires light or the seed is very fine. Surface sow and expose to light. * sprinkle seed on 10 cm damp sphagnum moss; cover with clear plastic pop bottle cut in half; transplant seedling to acidic mix in shade outdoors when 5 cm high; protect from rodents and give protection in cold frame first winter