Rhododendron hookeri ex Arunachal Pradesh

An unusual species, found originally in Himalayan Arunachal Pradesh at over 3000m asl.. A medium to large evergreen shrub in cultivation, allied to thomsonii and like it with splendid brick-pink, peeling to sandy-green bark. Trusses of deep-crimson, cherry-red or pink bell-shaped flowers in March-April. Acid soil and semi-shade. Leaves glaucous beneath, with totally unique hair tufts on veins.