Boursault Catawba Rhododendron
Your Plants are Guaranteed
Your Plants are Guaranteed
Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 1 Year Limited Warranty. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If not, just call us at (704) 443-8256.
Free Shipping on All Orders
Free Shipping on All Orders
Free shipping on all orders. Your plants will ship out the next business day... expertly packed so that your plants will arrive happy and healthy!
Planting & Care
Planting & Care
How We Ship Your Plants
Ordering live plants online should feel exciting, not stressful! We only ship healthy, well-rooted trees and plants!
Beware- not all plant nurseries are the same! Others can cut corners to save money:
- We never ship bareroot plants
- We never cut roots to fit into a small box
- We always ship plants with healthy, developed roots so they establish faster at your home
- We focus on plant health first- not minimizing shipping costs
A strong root system is the foundation for long-term success, and we believe your plant should arrive ready to thrive- not struggling to recover from shortcuts.
How we Select Your Plants
Once you place your order, our nursery team selects your plant and inspects it to make sure it meets our quality standards. Every plant we ship is chosen for:
- Strong health and vibrant foliage
- A well-developed root system
- Correct sizing based on your order
We take pride in sending plants that are ready to succeed when they arrive at your home. We try our best to exceed your expectations!
Once your plants are selected, we give them a drink of water before their journey. Then, we wrap each plant's roots up in a plastic bag, so that they do not dry out during shipping.
Carefully Packed & Protected
Live plants can’t be packed like ordinary boxes, so we do it differently.
Your plant is carefully secured inside a strong shipping box to protect it while traveling. Packaging may include:
- Support materials for stability
- Protection around the pot and roots
- Reinforced boxing for added protection
For larger trees, we use oversize boxes designed to safely accommodate the size and structure of your plant during shipping.
Sometimes, you will receive multiple plants inside a box. This is helpful because it can evenly distribute the weight throughout the box, which helps keeps the plants safe and secure throughout delivery.
Fast & Reliable with FedEx
Most Nationwide Plants orders ship with FedEx. Over the years, we’ve found FedEx to be the best carrier for live plants, especially larger items, because:
- They deliver quickest across the country
- They are the most gentle with live plants
- Faster transit means less plant stress
Once your order ships, we will email you tracking information so you can follow your delivery from our nursery to your doorstep.
We ship Monday through Friday. Most orders ship the next business day, unless you request a custom shipping date.
Multiple Nursery Locations
We ship from multiple locations across the country, including both the East Coast and West Coast. This allows us to:
- Deliver faster in more regions
- Reduce time in transit for your plants
- Ship large items more efficiently
How We Measure Your Trees
We measure tree height from the soil line, not including the pot.
That means when you order a 5-6 ft. tree, you’re getting a tree that is 5-6 ft. tall above the soil, not “including the container.” This gives you a good idea of what to expect when your trees arrive, and what they will look like when they are in the ground.
After Your Plants Arrive
It’s completely normal for a plant to look slightly different after shipping. Your plant has been traveling in a box, so you may notice:
- Minor leaf drop
- Soil that shifted slightly in the pot
- Temporary drooping from being in a darker environment
In most cases, your plant perks up quickly once it’s unboxed, watered (if needed), and placed in the proper environment.
Unboxing Your Plants
When your plants arrive, we recommend:
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Open carefully (avoid cutting into foliage)
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Remove all packing materials
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Check soil moisture (If the soil feels dry, give it a thorough watering)
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Let the plant recover (Give it a little fresh air after shipping)
If you ever have questions or concerns, we’re happy to help!
Our 30-Day Plant Promise
We stand behind every order we ship with our 30-Day Plant Promise.
If your plant dies within 30 days of delivery, we will replace it or refund it. We’ve found that if there are ever issues, they typically show up in the first 30 days- so this guarantee gives our customers real peace of mind.
If anything doesn’t look right, contact us and we’ll help you troubleshoot quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you ship bare-root plants?
No. We ship in soil with an established root system for the best success after delivery.
How fast will my order ship?
Most orders ship the next business day, unless you request a custom ship date.
Will my plant survive shipping?
Yes. Plants are resilient when packed correctly and shipped quickly. Our process is designed to protect your plant throughout transit.
What if my plant arrives droopy?
This is usually temporary from being in a dark box. Unbox promptly, check moisture, and allow time to adjust. If you’re concerned, reach out—we’re here to help.
Want Bigger Plants?
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The Boursault Catawba Rhododendron thrives in Zones 4-8 
If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Boursault Catawba Rhododendron. |
||
| Your Growing Zone | ||
| Recommended Zones | 4-8 | |
| Mature Height | 6-10 ft. | |
| Mature Width | 5-8 ft. | |
| Cannot Ship To | AZ, OR | |
| Sunlight | Full Sun to Partial Shade | |
| Botanical Name | Rhododendron Catawbiense 'Boursault' | |
|
The Boursault Catawba Rhododendron thrives in Zones 4-8
If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Boursault Catawba Rhododendron. |
|
| Your Growing Zone | |
| Recommended Zones | 4-8 |
| Mature Height | 6-10 ft. |
| Mature Width | 5-8 ft. |
| Cannot Ship To | AZ, OR |
| Sunlight | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Botanical Name | Rhododendron Catawbiense 'Boursault' |
Description
Description
Rhododendron catawbiense 'Boursault' – Reliable Evergreen Color and Spring Blooms for Your Garden
If you're looking for a dependable, evergreen shrub that brings bold color, reliable performance, and supports pollinators, the Rhododendron catawbiense 'Boursault' is an exceptional choice. This hardy, low-maintenance rhododendron delivers a breathtaking floral display every spring, while its rich, deep-green foliage provides year-round structure and color. Whether you're designing a quiet woodland retreat or creating privacy with a living hedge, 'Boursault' adds timeless beauty and purpose to your outdoor spaces.
With its clusters of lavender-purple blooms and resilience in cooler climates, this variety is perfect for gardeners who want an impressive, long-lasting shrub without the fuss. The 'Boursault' draws butterflies and hummingbirds into your garden, adding vibrant life and movement throughout the blooming season.
Why Choose Rhododendron Catawbiense 'Boursault'?
Reliable Spring Color That Delivers Every Year
Every mid-to-late spring, 'Boursault' reliably produces masses of lavender-purple flower clusters, each accented with a subtle red flare in the throat. These bold blooms stand out against its glossy evergreen leaves, creating an eye-catching display that anchors your landscape.
Evergreen Foliage for Four-Season Appeal
While many shrubs fade into the background after flowering, 'Boursault' maintains its rich, deep-green leaves throughout the year. Its dense growth habit and broad, leathery foliage offer structure, texture, and color—even in the depths of winter.
Attracts Pollinators and Supports Local Wildlife
This rhododendron isn’t just a pretty face. Its nectar-rich blooms attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making it a valuable addition to pollinator-friendly gardens. You'll enjoy watching beneficial wildlife visit your garden as part of a thriving ecosystem.
Exceptionally Hardy and Resilient
Originally bred from the tough Catawba rhododendron species, 'Boursault' is known for its superior cold hardiness. It thrives in USDA zones 4-8, handling temperatures that other rhododendrons might not tolerate. It's an ideal option for gardeners in cooler regions looking for a reliable evergreen shrub.
Versatile Landscape Uses
Whether you're planting a single standout specimen or a row of them for a lush, flowering hedge, 'Boursault' is adaptable to your landscape needs. Use it to create privacy screens, define garden borders, or enhance woodland and cottage-style gardens with its natural beauty.
Low-Maintenance Gardening Made Easy
If you want a shrub that offers big rewards with minimal upkeep, 'Boursault' is for you. Once established, it requires very little care beyond occasional watering in dry spells and an annual mulching. Its natural disease resistance and resilience make it a stress-free choice for gardeners of all experience levels.
What Makes Rhododendron Catawbiense 'Boursault' Unique?
Compared to other rhododendrons, 'Boursault' stands out for its:
- Cold Tolerance: Thrives in cooler climates and remains hardy down to USDA zone 4.
- Dense, Upright Growth: Its full, rounded shape and dense branching make it ideal for hedging and privacy.
- Long Life Span: This is a shrub that matures beautifully over time, rewarding patient gardeners with decades of beauty and structure.
- Reliable Flowering: Even in less-than-ideal conditions, 'Boursault' reliably blooms each spring, providing consistent seasonal color.
This cultivar was first introduced in Belgium in 1851 and has been a garden favorite ever since for its toughness, beauty, and adaptability.
How You'll Use Rhododendron 'Boursault' in Your Landscape
'Boursault' is a versatile addition to many garden styles. Its dense evergreen form and bold flowers make it suitable for:
- Privacy Screens and Hedges: Plant in rows to create a lush, living wall that adds both color and coverage.
- Focal Points and Specimen Planting: Use a single shrub as a focal point in your garden bed or lawn for maximum impact.
- Woodland and Cottage Gardens: Pairs beautifully with ferns, hostas, and other shade-loving perennials for a naturalistic look.
- Container Gardening: Grow in large pots on patios or decks to bring seasonal color and evergreen interest to smaller spaces.
Design Tips and Companion Plants
For a cohesive look, pair Rhododendron 'Boursault' with:
- Hostas: Their broad, variegated leaves complement the rhododendron’s evergreen foliage.
- Ferns: Add texture and softness to the shady garden areas.
- Azaleas: Create layers of spring blooms with different heights and colors.
- Japanese Maples: For a striking canopy that offers dappled shade.
Why Gardeners Love Rhododendron Catawbiense 'Boursault'
Gardeners choose 'Boursault' because it delivers:
- Effortless beauty: Gorgeous flowers and lush foliage with minimal care.
- Resilience: Cold-hardy and adaptable to various garden settings.
- Longevity: A long-lasting shrub that continues to add value and beauty to the garden for years to come.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or planting your first rhododendron, 'Boursault' offers dependable performance and stunning results.
Bring Classic Elegance to Your Garden with Rhododendron 'Boursault'
Ready to add year-round greenery and stunning spring blooms to your landscape? The Rhododendron catawbiense 'Boursault' brings timeless beauty, structure, and life to your outdoor spaces. Its reliable flowers and hardy nature make it a garden favorite, whether you’re planting a hedge, designing a pollinator garden, or creating a shady retreat.
Order yours today and experience the lasting elegance and simplicity of a garden classic that never goes out of style.