Rhododendron 'Azurro'
An evergreen shrub to about 1.2m high, with a compact, spreading habit, and elliptic, slightly glossy green leaves up to 13cm long. Produces clusters of 11-14 funnel-shaped, purple flowers, with wavy edges and dense, dark reddish-purple speckles on the upper petals, from late spring to early summer
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Purple Red | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Purple Red | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, tortoises) Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Rhododendron can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs or trees, with simple leaves, sometimes with a dense colourful indumentum of hairs on the lower side, and funnel-shaped, bell-shaped or tubular flowers that may be solitary or in short racemes
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, humus rich, acidic soil, in sun or light shade. Choose a site away from frost pockets and sheltered from strong winds, and do not allow plants to dry out. Mulch annually, ideally with leaf mould. See rhododendron cultivation for more detailed advice
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, by layering in autumn, or by grafting in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 8 (evergreens)
Pests
May be susceptible to vine weevil, rhododendron and azalea whitefly, rhododendron leafhopper, Pieris lacebug, scale insects, caterpillars and aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, honey fungus, silver leaf and Phytophthora, as well as more specific Rhododendron diseases
Get involved
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