This scandent shrub in the heather (Ericaceae) family is a loose tangle of branches with glossy green leaves at all angles so that they look like huge pipe cleaners. The branches are hung with pendulous smoked salmon-coloured buds, luminous when the low winter sun strikes the silvery hairs that fringe each petal seam.
On opening, the buds inflate into a Chinese lantern shape that highlights the dark orange chevron pattern to the petals and the five petal tips in creamy white flare out. Native to the Himalayas.