Rhododendron complexum Balf.f. & W.W.Sm.

Fastigiate or rounded dwarf shrub, 0.1–0.6 m. Leaves 0.4–1.1 × 0.2–0.6 cm, broadly or narrowly elliptic to ovate, apex obtuse or rounded, mucro small or absent, lower surface covered with uniformly ferrugineous, touching scales. Flowers 3–4(–5) per inflorescence; calyx to 1 mm, minute; corolla pale lilac to rosy purple, usually narrowly funnel-shaped, 9–13 mm; stamens 5–6(–8), included within the tube; ovary scaly, style short or long, glabrous or slightly pubescent at base. Flowering April-May. Royal Horticultural Society (1997)

Distribution  China N Yunnan

Habitat 3,400–4,600 m

RHS Hardiness Rating H7

Conservation status Near threatened (NT)