Is Catawba Rhododendron safe for pets?

No, Catawba Rhododendron (Rhododendron Catawbiense) is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it out of reach of pets.

Is Catawba Rhododendron easy to care for?

Catawba Rhododendron has a medium care difficulty rating. It requires medium watering and partial_shade or dappled_shade light.

Can Catawba Rhododendron grow indoors?

Catawba Rhododendron is primarily an outdoor plant and may not thrive indoors without specialized conditions.

Catawba Rhododendron (Rhododendron Catawbiense) is a perennial shrub in the Ericaceae family with moderate care difficulty. It requires moderate watering and partial shade or dappled_shade light in USDA hardiness zones 4-8. This plant is toxic to cats and dogs — keep it out of reach of pets.

A large, broadleaf evergreen shrub known for its dense foliage and showy lavender-pink flowers.

Last updated: February 2026

Catawba Rhododendron

Rhododendron Catawbiense

A large, broadleaf evergreen shrub known for its dense foliage and showy lavender-pink flowers.

Quick Facts

Type

shrub

Lifecycle

perennial

Care Difficulty

Moderate

Water Needs

Moderate

Light

Partial Shade, dappled_shade

Hardiness Zones

4-8

Safety

⚠️

Not Pet Safe

⚠️

Not Child Safe

☠️

Toxic

Growing Conditions

Soil Types:loamy, peaty

Indoor:No

Outdoor:Yes

Garden Use:specimen, hedge, ornamental

Care Calendar

Monthly care tasks for Catawba Rhododendron

Jan

Prune

Feb

Fertilize

Mar

Repot

Apr

Water+

May

...

Jun

...

Jul

...

Aug

...

Sep

...

Oct

...

Nov

...

Dec

...

Expert Care Tips

Pro tips from botanists and plant experts

Watering Tip

Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 1 inch deep. Water only when the top layer feels dry to prevent overwatering.

Humidity Trick

Group plants together to create...

Growth Hack

Rotate your plant every...

Photo Gallery10+ photos

View leaf details, flowers, seeds & more in the app

Taxonomy

Family:Ericaceae

Genus:Rhododendron