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Dwarf shrub of the Ericaceae family, derived from the type species originating from Yunnan, southeastern Tibet, and northern Burma, where it occupies alpine heaths, rocky slopes, and forest margins between approximately 3,000 and 4,500 meters. This cultivar corresponds to the smallest and most compact plants of the species.
It forms a very dense and rounded small bush, with extremely slow growth, generally not exceeding 20 to 30 cm in height. The leaves are tiny, oval, dark green, and slightly shiny on the upper surface, scaly underneath, reminiscent in size and arrangement of those of a blueberry — hence the name of the cultivar.
The flowers are the immediately recognizable signature of the species within the genus: borne individually on slender, erect, and glandular pedicels, they appear as elongated and drooping bells with reflexed lobes, in a delicate pink-lilac to pink-purple, with prominently visible stamens. This bell-shaped flower suspended at the end of its slender peduncle is a quite unique feature among dwarf rhododendrons. In its natural habitat, the species blooms from June to July. In cultivation, it generally occurs in May-June.
It requires an acidic, humus-rich, cool, and well-drained soil, without limestone, in a semi-shaded exposure or with protection from the midday sun. Its hardiness is adequate in well-drained soil, but young shoots may be sensitive to late frosts.