Rhododendron Hybrid ‘Catawbiense Grandiflorum’ – Majestic Lilac Blooms with Year-Round Evergreen Structure
Rhododendron ‘Catawbiense Grandiflorum’ is a classic and robust evergreen hybrid celebrated for its spectacular lilac-purple flowers and its ability to thrive in a range of conditions, including colder, more exposed sites. Flowering in late spring, it forms a dense, rounded shrub with large trusses of soft lavender-purple blooms accented by golden brown markings. This time-honored variety is ideal for providing structural interest, seasonal color, and evergreen coverage in woodland gardens, mixed borders, or as a majestic standalone specimen.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
Spring:
In late spring to early summer, ‘Catawbiense Grandiflorum’ bursts into bloom with lavender-purple flowers carried in large, dome-shaped trusses of 15–20 blooms. The rich floral display is both eye-catching and soft, lending a sense of calm grandeur to the landscape.
Summer:
As flowering fades, the plant remains a reliable garden feature with its lush, dark green foliage. The broad leaves create a full, tidy appearance even in the height of summer.
Autumn:
The evergreen foliage maintains its deep green hue, supporting the structure of garden borders and offering contrast to the changing tones of deciduous plants.
Winter:
Hardy and evergreen, this variety holds its form through winter, creating a striking presence in frosty or snowy gardens.
Structure & Form
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Height: 2.0–2.5 m
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Spread: 2.0–2.5 m
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Growth Habit: Broad, dense, and rounded
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Foliage: Glossy, leathery, dark green evergreen leaves
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Flowers: Lilac-purple with a golden-brown flare, in large, domed trusses
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Growth Rate: Moderate to vigorous
Perfect for Various Landscapes
Woodland Gardens: Ideal for naturalistic plantings under the canopy of deciduous trees.
Hedging & Screening: Dense foliage and consistent shape make it suitable for informal hedging or privacy screens.
Foundation Planting: Its balanced, upright shape provides year-round structure near buildings or large borders.
Specimen Shrub: With its showy blooms and substantial form, it shines as a standalone feature.
Acid-Loving Borders: Combines beautifully with other ericaceous plants for coordinated planting schemes.
Growing Conditions & Care
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Position: Best in partial shade, though it will tolerate full sun if soil is consistently moist.
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Soil: Requires acidic, well-drained, humus-rich soil. Avoid lime or alkaline soil.
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Hardiness: Exceptionally hardy UK H6–H7, perfect for exposed or northern gardens.
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Watering: Maintain regular moisture, especially in dry periods and during establishment.
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Maintenance: Low-maintenance. Deadhead after flowering and mulch annually with leaf mould or pine bark. Minimal pruning needed—only to shape or remove dead wood.
Why Choose Rhododendron ‘Catawbiense Grandiflorum’?
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Lavender-Purple Trusses: Stunning flower color in large, rounded clusters for maximum impact.
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Cold Hardy: Withstands harsh winters and exposed conditions better than many other rhododendrons.
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Evergreen Structure: Keeps its foliage year-round, offering garden form even in the dormant season.
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Versatile & Reliable: Equally effective as a single specimen or mass planting.
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Low-Maintenance Beauty: Provides elegance and seasonal drama with minimal care.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Companion Rhododendrons: Pair with white or pink varieties like ‘Cunningham’s White’ or ‘Roseum Elegans’ for a harmonious color contrast.
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Camellias & Pieris: These evergreen companions extend the flowering season and thrive in similar conditions.
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Ferns & Hostas: Add underplanting texture and contrast beneath the dense foliage.
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Deciduous Trees: Plant beneath Betula, Acer, or Cornus species for a layered woodland effect.
Rhododendron ‘Catawbiense Grandiflorum’ is a majestic, long-lived shrub that combines resilient hardiness with refined floral beauty. Its bold lilac blooms and reliable evergreen presence make it a must-have for classic rhododendron borders, woodland plantings, or elegant garden backdrops.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
