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Key characteristics

Family: Ericaceae
Height: 2 to 3 ft
Width: 2 to 3 ft
Flower color: Clear violet-blue to blue-purple flowers, often with a darker blotch or spotting
Foliage color: Small, evergreen dark green leaves, narrow and elliptic, with a smooth to lightly textured surface
Bloom time: Mid to late spring
Light: Part sun
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low to moderate; prune lightly after flowering only if shaping is needed
Growing zone: USDA zones 7 to 9
Wildlife: Fragrant shows of spring flowers attract pollinators; evergreen structure provides shelter and cover for birds and small wildlife

Shrubs

Rhododendron azurika

Azurika Rhododendron

Rhododendron azurika is an evergreen shrub valued for its dense branching and refined foliage. The leaves are small, leathery, and glossy deep green, forming a neat framework throughout the year. In mid to late spring, rounded trusses of funnel-shaped flowers open in clear blue to blue-violet shades. The blooms sit just above the foliage, creating a concentrated burst of cool color during the main flowering season.

Light

Part sun

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Mid to late spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Shade Gardens
Borders
Pathways & Walkways
Woodland Gardens

Companion plants

Mahonias · Astilbe · Heucheras · Maidenhair fern · Corydalis · Lily-of-the-valley

Design tip

‘Azurika’ is a nice choice for the front of a rhododendron planting, where its compact shape can create a gradual transition to taller shrubs behind it. Its unusual blue-violet flowers also provide a cool splash of spring color that can break up larger areas of pinks and reds.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)