Niveum Rhododendron                 rho-do-DEN-dron ni-VE-um

• Broadleaf evergreen shrub/tree, 5 ft ( m) tall in 10 years, open, urpright, tree-like, my reach 6 m, although multi-stemmed.  Leaves alternate, simple, oblong-lanceolate to elliptic, 11-17 cm long, smooth dark green above, white to pale brown indumentum below.  Flowers deep magenta to deep lilac, even a dull smokey blue, dark nectar pouches, 5 cm long, tubular-bell shaped, in tight, rounded clusters, with 15-20 flowers.
• -5^o F, early-mid; quality rating: 3/3-4/3 [flower / plant & foliage / performance; scale 1 (poor) - 5 (best)].
• Native to India (Sikkim) and Bhutan, 9,000 to 12,000 ft elevation.
• Rhododendron Species Foundation and Botanical Garden, Federal Way, Washington.