World Plants Logo

search the world

Woody > Rhododendron > Rhododendron 'Azurika'

Rhododendron

'Azurika'


Azurika Rhododendron




Origin:  A hybrid of R. russatum and R. impeditum that was bred by H. Hachmann, Barmsledt, Germany in 1963.
            Mike's Opinion

this is Mike

"

Rhododendron 'Azurika' is not a very well known plant due to it being a hybrid. As Michael Dirr stated: "Rest assured that even the experts do not know the rhododendron genus in its broadest sense" (Dirr 950). 'Azurika is a cross between R. russatum and R. impeditum. A stunning small dwarf plant, it blooms with beautiful violet flowers for an extended period of time, as well as it is fairly adaptable and quite tough to a variety of climate and site conditions.



Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)

"

Family
Ericaceae
Genus
Rhododendron
Cultivar
'Azurika'
Category
Woody
Type
Shrub (deciduous), Shrub (evergreen)
USDA Hardiness Zone
7-9
Canadian Hardiness Zone
8-10
Temperature (°C)
-22
Temperature (°F)
-8
Height
Can reach up to 95 cm in 10 years
Spread
Wide spread, compact growing (1 m)
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
AprilMayJune
General Description
Dwarf shrub, dark leaves (small), the twigs and stems are all very small and hidden in the foliage. Extremely floriferous (multiple trusses on many branches), compact growth, low growing and fairly large spreading.
Landscape
Used in shade and woodland areas because of its part sun/part shade tolerance. Due to it being a dwarf variety and its low-spreading nature, it is not the focus of a garden, but rather, a lovely accent for dimension and colour. Stunning deep purples add a nice contrast to the dark evergreen leaves.
Cultivation
'Azurika' needs to be constantly moist but requires good drainage. Planting in windy areas, exposed situations and heavy shade should be avoided.
Shape
Compact, shrub, horizontal, low growing.
Growth
Slow
ID Characteristic
A small, evergreen shrub with compact growth and small, dark-green waxy leaves. Deep purple/violet large ruffled trumpet-like flowers, appear in the late spring.
Pests
May be prone to: root weevil, aphids, bark scale, caterpillars, leaf rollers, sawflies, leaf miner, spider mites, lace bugs, white fly, slugs and snails.
Habitat
Horticultural origin.
Bark/Stem Description
Dark milk-chocolate brown, fairly smooth with some rimmed texture.
Flower/Leaf Bud Description
Green, compacted bud scales (small) located at center of palm of leaves, 2 cm long.
Leaf Description
Small, long, oval-shaped, with a large defined vein through the centre. Smooth, almost waxy-looking, and fairly dark green and pointed at the tip. Close to 3 cm in length.
Flower Description
Dark blue to violet flowers (April-May deepest colour). Flowers are single but in tight clusters, prominent, funnel shaped, 3 cm long and 2 cm wide.
Fruit Description
Small curved seeds located in long oval seed pods
Colour Description
Dark green in non-flowering months, stunning purple in late spring, early summer
Texture Description
Fine to medium coarse texture
Notable Specimens
Wakehurst Place, Ardingly, West Sussex, England.
Propagation
Rhododendrons can be propagated by cuttings, grafting, layering (pinning a low branch to the ground) or tissue culture.
References
Brickell, Christopher and Trevor Cole, eds. 'Canadian Encyclopedia Plants and Flowers.' Canada: Dorling Kindersley 2001. Dirr, Michael. 'Manual of Woody Landscape Plants.' Champaign, Illinois: Stipes Publishing, 2009. Ontario. Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Publication 45: 'Rhododendrons and Azaleas.' Web. 19 Oct 2013. Taylor, Norman, ed. Taylor�s Encyclopedia of Gardening. U.S.A.: Houghton Mifflin, 1961.
goToTop
top