The Catawba Rhododendron is a perennial flowering plant that can live for 75 to 100 years. It is originally from the Smoky Mountains making the Catawba the hardiest of all Rhododendron as it can live through the cold harsh winters on top of the Smokey Mountains.

Sun – Catawbas need 4 to 6 hours of direct sun light every day.

 

Soil – They like humus soils that are well draining and rich in organic matter.

 

Spacing – Space Catawbas 72F – 144F/ 180cm – 360cm apart.

 

Water – Just like other Rhododendrons the Catawba has shallow roots and should be watered twice a week when it doesn’t rain outside and only has needed when it is rainy season. For older plant they will only need to be watered every 2 to 3 weeks or as needed.

 

Food – Fertilize them once a  year after the flowers have all fallen off, or dried up.

 

Annual or Perennial – Catawba Rhododendrons are perennial plants that can live for 75 to 100 years with proper care.

 

Climate/Hardiness – Catawba are the hardest of all rhododendrons has it is originally from the top of the Smoky Mountains which is very cold.

 

Harvest – You can harvest flowers off of the Catawba before they bloom and the will bloom the rest of the way in a vase or glass of water.

 

Propagation – You can propagate node cutting off of Catawbas very easily. The best time to do this is in the spring when plants are growing new roots.