Rhododendron elegantulum Tagg & Forrest

Shrub 1–1.6m. Leaves 7–13 × 2.5–3.5cm, elliptic-oblong, apex acute; lower surface covered with a dense one-layered lanate indumentum composed of ramiform hairs that are deep pink when young, maturing to a rich rufous brown; petioles tomentose at first, later glabrescent. Flowers 10–20, in a dense truss; calyx c.12mm, lobes oblong; corolla pale purplish pink, with crimson flecks, campanulate, nectar pouches lacking, 30–40mm; ovary densely stalked-glandular, style with a few glands at base. Flowering May. Royal Horticultural Society (1997)

Distribution  China Border of Sichuan and Yunnan, near Yungning

Habitat 3,650–3,950 m

RHS Hardiness Rating H5

Conservation status Vulnerable (VU)