RIIODODEN'DRON CATA WBIEN'SE. 
CATAWBA RHODODENDRON. 
Class. Order. 
DECANDR1A. MONOG YNI A. 
Natural Order. 
ERICEjE. 
Native of 
Height 
Flowers in 
Duration 
Introduced 
N. America. 
3 feet. 
June, July. 
Perennial . 
in 1809. 
No. 408. 
Rhododendron, in the Greek language, signifies 
rose tree. Catawbiense, is derived from the name 
of the river Catawba, in North America, near which 
this species was discovered by Mr. Fraser. 
Few shrubs are more desirable, either in the 
flower garden or the shrubbery, than the Rhodo- 
dendron. Its bright evergreen foliage is always 
a luxury ; and it has often been matter of regret, 
with persons of taste, that they have had so little 
success in the cultivation of this plant. Peat, or 
bog earth, is usually thought to be the most impor- 
tant ingredient in respect to soil. Doubtless, it 
possesses qualities very congenial to the nature of 
this shrub ; but experience has shewn that it will 
succeed, in some situations, without it ; moisture, 
aspect, and shade, being primary considerations. 
On its native hills, it flourishes in the greatest 
degree, on the northern side; it prevails near springs 
and rivers ; and oftentimes, mixes with the under- 
wood of forests. If these circumstances be held in 
recollection, and choice of situation be made accord- 
ingly, the Rhododendron will rarely fail to gratify 
its cultivator, by free growth and splendid flowers. 
Loudon’s Ency. of PI. 358. 
