Some wonderful rhododendrons and azaleas are native to the Japanese Islands. Most are easy to grow in your garden. One of the Japanese species that grows well is R. makinoi, which is native to the northern mountains of the island of Honshu.

The foliage of R. makinoi makes it a desirable garden plant. The lance-shaped leaves are about 5" to 6" long and 0.5" to 0.75" wide. Leaf edges are rolled under and the entire leaf has a downward curve. New growth appears in mid-to-late summer and is densely covered with soft white or tan indumentum, giving the whole plant a silvery appearance. On the underside of the leaves, the indumentum slowly turns a wooly tan or light brown color.

The flower trusses on R. makinoi have 10 to 15, funnel-shaped flowers that are 2" across. The flowers range in color from a soft rose through clear shades of pink to white, and are sometimes speckled with crimson spots.

R. makinoi will grow in sun or part shade in your garden.  Mature specimens grown in cultivation are mound-shaped plants about 5 to 6 ft. tall. R. makinoi is an attractive plant that will give you year-around pleasure in your landscspe.