Rhododendron

Your flowering shrub is indeed a rhododendron—one of 500-900 species of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs and multitudes of cultivars. Unfortunately we cannot identify your specific species and cultivar but suggest you contact your local Rhododendron society chapter such as: California Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society
www.calchapterars.org/ to see if they can identify your beautiful flower for you. As with all Rhododendrons, they are grown for their showy flowers and beautiful array of colors. They like moist, well drained acidic soil. Shallow planting is essential in that they will not tolerate deep planting. Most like dappled shade in sheltered conditions. They do not tolerate heat well so you see them more often in the northern, cooler climate regions.