Thomson Rhododendron

An evergreen shrub native to the Himalayas (Nepal, India, southern Tibet, and Bhutan), reaching 5 feet. Bell-shaped flowers about 2½ inches long and wide, crimson to deep wine red, in loose terminal clusters of 6 to 12 blooms. The conspicuous waxy red calyx persists after flowering and extends the ornamental display.

The persistent waxy red calyx is a distinctive feature that few other species share. The deep wine-red flower color is among the finest in the genus. Acidic, well-drained soil. Twenty-one diseases and 15 pests documented at the genus level. All parts contain grayanotoxins and are toxic if ingested.