Any of about 800 diverse species of woody plants that make up the genus Rhododendron in the heath family , notable for their attractive flowers and handsome foliage.
They are native chiefly in the northern temperate zone, especially in South Asia and Malaysia. Some are evergreens, others deciduous. Some are low-growing ground covers; others are tall trees. Flowers are usually tubular to funnel-shaped and occur in a wide range of colours: white, yellow, pink, scarlet, purple, and blue. See also azalea .