Evergreen Shrubs (Flowering) – Bollywood Azalea

Botanical name: rhododendron x ‘farrow’

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: up to 3 ft in height and 2 ft in width

Bloom time: spring

Hardy zone: zones 6-9

Flower color: pink

Foliage color: green/yellow/white

Growth rate: grows about 1 ft per year

Pruning instructions: deadhead and trim to maintain shape and size in the summer when the plant has finished flowering

Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge

Landscape use: great for butterfly gardens

Light needs: about 4 hours of sun per day

Special features: variegated leaves

Watering instructions: allow soil to partially dry between watering sessions

Fertilizing instructions : apply a controlled release fertilizer for hollies and/or rhododendrons in the early spring

Best time to plant: spring or fall

Best type of soil: clay or loamy soil

Companion plants: mountain-laurel, astilbe, daffodils, hydrangeas

Toxicity level: toxic for humans and extremely toxic for pets if ingested

Invasive species: no