Evergreen, leaves broadly ovate-elliptical, 7 to 15 cm long, 3 to 6 cm wide, shiny dark green above, dense rust-brown felt underneath. Flowers usually in groups of 8, in loose umbels. Crown broadly bell-shaped, 5 cm wide, white to purple-pink. Himalayas, from Kashmir to Bhutan. In its native habitat 4 to 5 m high, forming a belt of man-high thickets at the tree line. Here 1 to 2 m. Very beautiful foliage plant. Good winter hardiness.
End of April to beginning of May.
