- Partial Shade to Partial Sun (3 - 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 6 - 7 Feet
- Mature Spread 6 - 7 Feet
- Growing Zones 4 - 8
Large lavender blooms in spring, evergreen foliage and an ability to thrive in fairly shady conditions make the Boursault rhododendron an excellent addition to certain landscapes. Flowers first appear as deep purple buds before opening to a lavender with occasional reddish-brown markings. These funnel-shaped blooms appear in clusters at the end of branches and really put on a show. When planted in a well-chosen and prepared site, the Boursault rhododendron is a dependable performer with low maintenance requirements.
Native to the eastern United States and hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8, this plant forms dense thickets that offer a nectar source for butterflies and shelter for birds and wildlife. The blooms and rounded shape alone can make it an interesting accent plant. This cultivar of Rhododendron catawbiense also has a dense, spreading structure that is also perfect for an informal border. It has a moderate growth rate and can tolerate urban pollution.
Boursault Rhododendron Care
Choosing and preparing the ideal planting site for this shrub is important. It prefers partial shade, with some protection from hot afternoon sun and strong winter winds. Its roots require well-drained soil, but do not like to dry out or overheat, so regular watering during dry weather and mulching around the shrub helps to retain moisture and keep soil temperatures cool. Additionally, rhododendrons like this one need acidic, organically-rich soil to thrive, so work compost or another organic material into the site prior to planting and occasionally apply a fertilizer for acid-loving plants.
Rhododendrons bloom in the spring on growth from the previous summer, so any routine pruning should happen shortly after blooming has finished. Cut back stems about one-third in order to give the plant the desired shape. Planting a Boursault rhododendron in an improper or poorly-drained site can lead to problems with diseases and poor plant health.
Boursault Rhododendron Spacing
Boursault rhododendrons work well as an accent plant or as an informal hedge or border. It has a spreading branch structure and grows to be 6 to 10 feet tall and wide; plant specimens or hedges with this spacing in mind. It has shallow roots that do not like to be disturbed, so avoid planting annuals or cultivating around the shrub.
Boursault Rhododendron Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 8 |
Plant Type: Shrubs |
Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Partial Sun (3 - 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 6 - 7 Feet |
Mature Spread: 6 - 7 Feet |
Spacing: 6 - 7 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): Purple |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: Mid-May |
Foliage Type: Evergreen |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: Butterflies |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Native to North America |
Brand: |
Common Name: Boursault Rhododendron |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: RHODODENDRON C. `BOURSAULT` |
- SKU:
- 1000090-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
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Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.