Although both forms have been listed as varieties of the species, most horticulturists consider them to be hybrids. The plants are larger growing than typical yaks, and Mist Maiden is white whereas Ken Janek is blush pink. These plants are exceptionally rugged, and have survived drought, heat, and cold. Seedlings have rolled around in pots in my back yard for years before I finally decided to give them a home. The flowers are pink in bud fading to white as the blossoms open, which is generally true for most primary yakushimanum crosses.
Excellent foliage is dominant too.
China has so many superb rhododendron species that it is impossible to do them justice in a short article. Most of our modern hybrids, especially those with large flowers and strong colors have been developed from the wealth of species found in China. I have tried raising many exotic Chinese species, such as the yellow R. wardii, red R. griersonianum, and blue R. augustinii, but our winters are usually too cold and our summers too hot. The plants usually succumb to bark split, dieback, and disease problems. However, hybrids of these delicate sorts when crossed with hardier species are often very successful in our area.