Rhododendron russatum is an evergreen shrub with small dark green leaves, with the undersides being brown in colour and covered with scales.
The flowers are funnel shaped in various shades of indigo, rose pink, purple and occasionally white. They are born in terminal clusters of 4-6 individual flowers.
The most common colour flowers are deep purple-blue, these add an unusual large scale hue and spring colour to the garden.
Although they like full sun they do not like heat so will grow better in the cooler areas of Australia.
Growth habit varies - there are compact and upright forms.