[3] It is a deciduous shrub 50–150 cm (20–59 in) tall, forming a thick understory in forests, spreading by underground stolons.

The fragrant flowers are 3–4 cm long, usually white to pink, sometimes with a flush of yellow; they are produced in trusses of 4-10 together.

This species is often used in landscaping because its fragrance attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds as well as it being a showy flower.

[6] This species has a medium tolerance to drought and fires, and requires cold stratification for germination.

[7] The two species that create a hybrid form as a response to herbivory from leaf beetles are Rhododendron periclymenoides and R.