Add Glamour to Your Yard With Bollywood Azalea

Courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

Bollywood azalea is a semi-evergreen shrub that adds pizazz to any planting. Bright neon pink flowers of this shrub unfurl early in spring and continue to bloom in clusters through late spring. But what really makes this plant stand out is the unique foliage. The variegated leaves lend the shrub interest throughout the year, depending on where you live.

Rhododendron vs azalea: Find out how to tell the difference.

How to Grow Bollywood Azalea

Here’s what you need to know about Bollywood azalea before you plant one in your yard.

• Botanical name: Rhododendron ‘Farrow’
• Zone: 6 to 9 (Learn how plant zones work and how to find yours.)
• Light: Full sun or part shade.
• Size: 3 feet tall and about 2 feet wide.

Choose a spot with well-draining, acidic soil.

This shrub shouldn’t need a ton of pruning, but snip it back after flowering if you feel that it could benefit from it. The plant blooms on old wood, so avoid pruning at other times of the year. As with other variegated plants, Bollywood can sprout occasional all-green leaves. If you don’t like their appearance, just pluck the individual green leaf.

Get more tips on how to plant shrubs and bushes.

Where to Plant Bollywood Azalea

This plant shines in a few different settings. Use Bollywood in the middle of a large container to make it the star of the show. As an added bonus, you can move the container around for a boost of color wherever it’s needed.

It also works well as a vibrant addition to a border or path, where passersby can see the patterns in the leaves up close and the blooms’ pleasant fragrance in spring. Plus the bright cream color of the variegated leaves can help outline sidewalks in low light.

Check out 10 dwarf flowering shrubs for containers.

Why You Should Grow Bollywood Azalea

This small shrub is especially beloved by gardeners in the southern U.S. and and attracts beneficial garden bugs.

As a semi-evergreen plant, this azalea cultivar may hold onto its leaves all winter long in warmer areas. Just make sure that it’s planted in ideal conditions. Also, in the warmest zones, the grower suggests planting the shrub in a place with part shade to get a respite from the strong sun and heat.

In spring, pollinators love to touch down on the lightly scented blooms. Watch out for butterflies, bees and more.

Can you grow azalea plants indoors?

Where to Buy Bollywood Azalea

Courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

Bollywood azalea is grown by Proven Winners and is available for sale at many online retailers including Home Depot and Tractor Supply Company. It may also be available at your local garden center. Give the store a call first so they can check their stock.