Skip to main content

The rhododendron is an evergreen plant with large, lush pinkish purple blossoms in the spring.

Latin Name

Rhododenron catawbiense 'Roseum Elegans'


Family

Ericaceae


Also Known As

Catawba Rosebay Mountain Rosebay Purple Rhododendron Rosebay


Type of Plant

Shrubs Shrubs

Bloom Season

May - June

Seasons

Spring Spring
Winter Winter

Specifications

Max height Max Height: 8'
Max spread Max Spread: 8'

Uses

  • Hedge
  • Flower Border
  • Naturalize

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Part Shade Part Shade

    Toxicity

    Do not ingest Do not ingest
    Harmful to pets Harmful to pets

    Colors


    Native Range

    Eastern United States


    History

    George Washington received rhododendron plants from William Hamilton in March of 1792.


    Other Details

    Pollinator Pollinator

    Planted at Mount Vernon

    Planted at Mount Vernon Upper Garden

  • Upper Garden

  • Hardiness Zones

    4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

    map legend 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b

    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

    Shop Now