This deciduous shrub has upright branched stems with greyish bark and forms an irregular rounded habit. It has glossy dark green elliptical leaves that turn reddish during autumn and the shell-pink saucer-shaped flowers appear in a cluster during early spring.

Hardiness zones 5 to 9 

Rhododendron vaseyi it is naturally found in North America growing in northern Carolina in mountainous conditions in the understory of coniferous and oak forests commonly along water courses or around swamps at an elevation from 1000 m to 1800 m (5,500 ft). 

It prefers a wind protected sunny to shaded position and grows in well-drained to damp organic rich moist soils that are tending acidic, with a pH 6-8 and is frost and snow tolerant but drought tender.

The Pink-shell Azalea is a shallow rooted shrub that is grown for its flowers. It is planted along borders as an understory in parks and small gardens or used along water courses in woodland settings. It is suitable to mountainous regions and establishes in 3-4 years and is moderately long-lived. This attractive small shrub may also be grown in patio pots and planter boxes or used in commercial sites. ID 3574

Note:
In its native habitat is regarded as a threatened species due to land clearing for housing developments. Other factors that contribute to its decline include drainage of boggy sites and illegal collections by gardeners. 

This Rhododendron will not hybridise with other Rhododendrons.

Rhododendron (ro-do-DEN-dron) vaseyi (VAH-see-eye)

'Rhododendron': from Greek rhodon + dendron - rose tree

Ericaceae (er-ek-AY-see-ee)
Bilberries, Blueberries,Cranberies, Heathers, Heaths, Rhododendrons, Wintergreens