Rhododendron ‘Azurro’ – A Stunning Shrub with Vibrant Purple Blooms
Rhododendron ‘Azurro’ is a striking evergreen shrub known for its captivating clusters of vibrant purple flowers that bloom in mid to late spring. This variety features large, funnel-shaped blossoms that add a bold splash of colour to the garden. ‘Azurro’ reaches a height of 100–150 cm, making it perfect for adding vertical interest to garden borders, foundation plantings, or mixed shrub beds. The rich green foliage provides a lush backdrop to the showy blooms, making it a standout in any landscape.
Why Grow Rhododendron ‘Azurro’?
Vibrant Purple Blooms – The large, trumpet-shaped flowers of Rhododendron ‘Azurro’ create a striking display of vibrant purple colour. The blooms appear in mid to late spring, offering a beautiful burst of colour just as the garden begins to come alive.
Compact & Upright Habit – With a height of 100–150 cm, ‘Azurro’ has a slightly taller, upright growth habit, making it ideal for creating structure in garden borders or adding a vertical accent to mixed plantings. Its compact form ensures it remains manageable and well-suited for smaller spaces.
Evergreen Foliage – The glossy, dark green leaves of Rhododendron ‘Azurro’ provide year-round interest, offering a lush, evergreen backdrop to the garden. The foliage remains vibrant throughout the seasons, even when the plant is not in bloom.
Hardy & Low Maintenance – Rhododendron ‘Azurro’ is a hardy and resilient shrub that thrives in well-drained, acidic soil. Once established, it requires minimal care and is resistant to pests and diseases, making it a great choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
Pollinator-Friendly – The abundant purple flowers attract bees and butterflies, making Rhododendron ‘Azurro’ a great addition to a wildlife-friendly garden that supports pollinators.
Planting & Care Guide
Position: Prefers partial shade, especially in warmer climates, but can tolerate some full sun. It thrives best in sheltered spots, protected from strong winds that could damage its delicate flowers.
Soil: Best suited to well-drained, acidic soil rich in organic matter. Rhododendrons thrive in slightly acidic pH (4.5–6.0) and benefit from consistent moisture throughout the growing season.
Watering: Water regularly when newly planted to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Once established, Rhododendron ‘Azurro’ is moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering during dry spells.
Maintenance:
- Deadhead spent flowers to maintain a neat appearance and prevent self-seeding, although the plant will naturally die back after flowering.
- Prune lightly after flowering to shape the shrub and remove any dead or damaged growth.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the roots cool.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Rhododendron ‘Azurro’ pairs beautifully with other spring-blooming perennials like Hellebores, Bleeding Heart (Dicentra), or Primroses, where its rich purple flowers provide a bold contrast to softer hues. It also complements other Rhododendrons or Azaleas, where the deep colour of the blooms adds to a stunning array of colours in mixed borders. For added drama, pair with plants that have dark or variegated foliage, such as Heuchera or Ferns, to make the blue-purple flowers stand out even more. Rhododendron ‘Azurro’ can also be used as a focal point in a woodland garden, where its striking blooms can shine among a sea of greenery.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
