Rhododendron campanulatum
Another species from the Himalayas besides Rhododendron arboreum was received here in 1825. Called Rhododendron campanulatum, it has a neat habit, leaves sometimes backed by a brown covering of hairs, flowers which vary from pink through to purple, and in some forms are almost blue. It is extremely hardy but has only been used a little in hybridization to produce varieties which are as attractive as they are distinct.