Niveum Rhododendron

An evergreen shrub native to India (Sikkim) and Bhutan at 9,000 to 12,000 feet elevation, reaching 5 feet. Tubular bell-shaped flowers about 2 inches long, deep magenta to deep lilac or a dull smoky blue with dark nectar pouches, in tight round clusters. Leaves have a distinctive white to fawn-colored indumentum on the underside.

The smoky blue-purple flower color is unusual in the genus and distinguishes this species from the majority of pink, red, and white rhododendrons. The contrasting leaf indumentum adds year-round foliage interest. Acidic, well-drained soil. Twenty-one diseases and 15 pests documented at the genus level. All parts contain grayanotoxins and are toxic if ingested.