Question
Hello, I just received a beautiful Rozalea plant. I believe that it's in the Azalea family.  My azalea bushes are planted outdoors (in New England) & bloom beautifully each spring.  My question is, should the Rozalea do the same thing? If I plant it outdoors, will it survive the winter & bloom next spring?

Answer
Ohio-based Chrysanthemums/Poinsettas/Hibiscus grower Yoder Brothers Inc. rolled out its 'Keepsake Azaleas' collection a few years ago, targeting the premium Valentine-through-Mother's Day market for forcing at the florist.  Yoder found several varieties of these Azaleas had petals that looked like they were plucked off a Rosebush; the company named those Azalaeas its 'Rozalea' series.

Since they are developed for the florist market, these Rozaleas must all be protected from winter temperatures.  They are not hardy.  You must move.  Far, far away.  South.  New Orleans looks good.

While you're househunting, you'll need to care for this.  Like all Azaleas, your Rozealea needs to be watered with acidic water -- a teaspoon of any kitchen vinegar per gallon of water.   Bottom watering is preferred; it keeps the petals dry and soaks the roots without washing away any soil.  To keep the flowers going, keep the plant cool (without freezing) and out of the direct sun.  Remove spent flowers as soon as they are finished, to extend as long as possible the show of any remaining blooms.

After flowering, repot in a peat moss-fortified soil and and place outdoors in the sun.  A dose of Compost Tea or Comfrey twice a month will de-toxify your intensely overbloomed shrub, which goes to hell and back during forcing with hormones and special flowering chemicals to get the biggest, most beautiful blooms on schedule.  Do not fertilize for at least 6 months -- your Azalea won't need it if it is getting the relaxing Tea and Comfrey.

Next Fall, when the weather cools off, make sure to have a place for it that's cold but not freezing, sunny and accessible.  Some gardeners maintain they can keep florist Azaleas outdoors as cold as Zone 6 and South, but it's risky.  If your New England winter is a Zone 5 climate, transplant yourself and you can bring your Rozalea with you.  Alternately, this is the perfect excuse to build a greenhouse, if you do not already have one, so that you can enjoy this and many other splendid and delightful blooms through the frostiest New England winter.

Thanks for writing.  Any more questions, I'm here.