Rhododendron roseatum Hutch.

Shrub, 1–4 m; young shoots sparsely setose, the setae soon deciduous. Leaves 7–12 × 3.5–6 cm, obovate, apex abruptly acute, margin ciliate, upper surface with midrib impressed, lower surface brownish with scales up to their own diameter apart. Flowers (2–)3–5, in a loose terminal inflorescence, scented; calyx obscurely lobed, ciliate; corolla white, sometimes flushed pink, with a yellow basal blotch, funnel-shaped, (50–)55–75 mm, outer surface scaly throughout, pubescent at base; stamens 10; ovary scaly, tapering into the style that is scaly below. Flowering April-May. Royal Horticultural Society (1997)

Distribution  China W Yunnan

Habitat 1,800–2,750 m

RHS Hardiness Rating H2

Conservation status Vulnerable (VU)

Taxonomic note (incl. R. lasiopodum Hutch.) Royal Horticultural Society (1997)