Rhododendron grande, Silver Rhododendron

  USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 7-ish Native Range: HImalayan mountains. Soil: Well drained, low pH.  Light: Sun to bright shade. The plants are in 50% shade; it's too hot for them here to be in full sun. Height in the Garden: Up to 45' in the wild. In the garden? I don't know; probably won't reach its full potential. Can easily be maintained to your preferred height with judicious pruning. Attributes: Has silver abaxial leaf surfaces, new growth comes out maroon or pink. Formerly Rhododendron argenteum. Notes: R. grande is a beautiful species. It has sturdy foliage with silvery under-sides; my favorite characteristic of this species. The flowers are light colored sometimes tinged pink.  Uses: Flowering specimen shrub to small tree.