[3][4] It is commonly called the great Chinese rhododendron,[5] and is native to alpine regions at 2,100–3,600 m (6,900–11,800 ft) in southeastern Xizang and western Yunnan in China and in northeastern Myanmar.

[4] The great Chinese rhododendron is a substantial evergreen shrub or tree reaching a height of 10 m (33 ft) with dark green leaves up to 50 cm (20 in) long, but occasioally up to three feet (91 centimeters) long by up to fourteen inches (35 centimeters) in breadth.

[6] In late spring it bears large trusses of pale yellow or cream flowers, spotted with maroon on the interior.

[5] In cultivation in the UK Rhododendron sinogrande has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

[5][7] It is hardy down to −10 °C (14 °F) but like most rhododendrons it requires a sheltered spot in dappled shade, and an acid soil enriched with leaf mould.