Upright-growing evergreen shrubs or small trees. The leaves are variable in shape but typically elliptic to lanceolate or somewhat rounded. Attractive shiny and reddish new growth and foliage. The flattened flowers (mid-to late spring) have a short tube with spreading lobes. They are pale rose to purple-rose, often with spots and occur singly in the axils of the upper leaves. A pretty species in both flower and new foliage. Requires a sheltered position as the growth comes early. Native to NE Upper Burma and SW China (SE Tibet, Yunnan & SW Sichuan). Occurs in various open habitats from 5,000 to 11,000 ft. Probably useful in hot climates.
1966/601 CAE (+15). Pale rose-lavender flowers.
1997sd371 97ARS#517:RSBG (+15 to +10\R1\5). Attractive shiny and reddish new growth. Pale to purple-rose flattened flowers in mid- to late spring, often with spots. Grown from seed collected wild (BH#154) at 6,550 ft. near Weixi, NW Yunnan Province, China.).
