This shrub to small tree has a short upright trunk with spreading branches that form a compact rounded habit.  It has dark green leathery elliptical leaves and the bell-shape lilac to purple flowers appear in clusters during late spring.

Hardiness zones 4 to 9 

Rhododendron catawbiense is naturally found from in North America from West Virginia to Georgia and Alabama growing in woodlands on well drained fertile moist soils that are tending acidic with a pH 5.5-6. It prefers a full sun to a semi shaded position with protection from hot westerly sun and is  frost tolerant, drought tender. 

Mountain Rosebay is grown for its flowers and rounded habit. It is planted in parks and gardens along borders for screening or as a specimen and may be trained to form a small tree. It is suitable for low mountain regions and dislikes poorly drained or saline soils. It establishes in 3 to 5 years and is long lived. It is also grown as a specimen and when young and can be used in large tubs or planter boxes. ID 2592

'Rhododendron': from Greek rhodon + dendron - rose tree.

Rhododendron (ro-do-DEN-dron) catawbiense (ka-TAW-bee-EN-see)

Ericaceae (er-ek-AY-see-ee)
Bilberries, Blueberries,Cranberies, Heathers, Heaths, Rhododendrons, Wintergreens