Q: How are the topiary azaleas with braided stems best planted?

A: Florist azaleas are not usually as winter-hardy as the smaller-leaved Japanese azaleas that bloom reliably each spring. If yours has been indoors since you received it, wait to plant until things have warmed up in April. Put your azalea in a spot that gets some protection from wind in winter and observe it for a couple of years. If it survives winter and blooms in spring, you have a keeper.