It is a large evergreen shrub or tree, and sometimes the dominant canopy tree, that typically grows to 12–15 m (39–49 ft) in height, with leathery leaves that are elliptic to obovate in shape and usually about 1 ft (0.30 m) in length.

Flowers are white to cream, pale yellow, or pinkish, with a prominent purple blotch.

It occurs from eastern Nepal through Sikkim and Bhutan, as well as adjacent areas of northeastern India (Arunachal Pradesh and West Bengal).

In cultivation in the UK, Rhododendron falconeri has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Like most rhododendrons it needs an acid soil that is rich in leaf mould.