Dwarf, deciduous shrubs to 1 ft. (but usually less), slowly spreading by layering and underground runners. The rounded and hairy leaves change to shades of orange, yellow or red in the autumn. The rotate flowers (mid- to late spring) are reddish-purple to pink, rarely red or white/purple to deep rose, sometimes reddish or even white. A very distinct plant, often placed in the genus Therorhodion but now generally accepted as belonging to Rhododendron.Best in climates with cool summers and requires excellent drainage. Native to exposed areas near sea level in N Japan, E Russia (Sakhalin, Kurile Islands, and from Ussuri to Kamtschatca), and USA (W Alaska).
