This large rhododendron is stands upright with a loose, multi-stemmed habit. It prefers cool, rich soil in mountainous locations and loves shady locations on woodland edges. Makes a spectacular hedge plant in favorable conditions. Barring this it could succumb to disease, pests or crown rot. This leathery leaved shrub spreads by layering and suckering and as such can prevent erosion. Dense thickets can shade out tree seedlings but do provide cover and shelter for deer, birds and other mammals, especially in extreme weather.