• grows 20-30' high in cultivation, varying in form from bushy and upright-oval to more spreading and open • leaves are broadly oval, up to 6" long and beautifully colored-usually dark bluish green above and a striking chalky blue beneath • flowers are up to 6" broad (8" in one case here) and breathtaking in their beauty • flowers can be deliciously fragrant of wintergreen and other fruits and spices • species thrives in full sun near the coast but should have afternoon shading in the interior • hardy to 20 degrees F or less, possibly much less