| 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. |
| 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. |
| Shape | Compact, shrub, horizontal, low growing. |
| 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. |
| Propagation | Rhododendrons can be propagated by cuttings, grafting, layering (pinning a low branch to the ground) or tissue culture. |
| Cultivation | 'Azurika' needs to be constantly moist but requires good drainage. Planting in windy areas, exposed situations and heavy shade should be avoided. |
| 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. |
| Notable Specimens | Wakehurst Place, Ardingly, West Sussex, England. |
| 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 |
