R. kiusianum 'purple form'A native to southern Japan, this rhododendron species is found growing in open woodlands on hillsides at elevations of 1800 2400 feet. It is a low and spreading plant that looks much like our Uva ursi native, but having 1 inch lavender purple flowers in spring. The leaves are small and rounded, shiny, and a dark bronzy green. One can expect this plant to eventually be a bit over 12 inches high x 3 4 ft across. The name refers to the Japanese island of