Typically upright and open-growing evergreen shrubs but some forms more compact.The elliptic to obovate leaves are up to two inches in length and densely covered with golden to dark brown scales, especially on the lower surface.The overall appearance is of a distinct rather brownish green coloration.In late spring the small, flat, purple flowers appear.These are quite lovely against the colored foliage.An unusual and distinct species, closely related to R. lepidotum.Rare in cultivation and best with excellent drainage in a bright but not too lot location (light shade or morning sun.Native to the eastern end of the Himalaya where it occurs in coniferous and subalpine scrub from 8,000 to 14,000 ft.
1964/146L&S#2869:Glenarn(0\R3\4). Deep red-purple flowers.
1975/035King & Paton (0\R3\4).A rare and unusual species with attractive scaly foliage and stunning deepest red-purple flowers in late spring.Rarely offered alpine species requiring excellent drainage.Very floriferous.
1994/393KR#901:Glendoick(0\R3\4).I have not recorded flowering data on this clone but this new introduction from Bhutan is said to be more compact in growth habit.
