Evergreen variable mostly bushy large shrub or small tree (1-10m depending on variety) from the Himalayas, South East Asia and Malaysia. Dense leaf cover often from the ground up. Clusters of bell shaped flowers, from white, mauve and red in spring. Useful for a specimen, massed or group planted or a component of shrubbery. Initially slow growing. Compatible with azaleas and camellias. Requires partial shade and well drained acid loam with plenty of organic matter.