Question
My husband just purchased (February 14th) a beautiful azalea tree for me, but I am afraid to plant it outside because we live in Phoenix, Az. The temperature can reach over 115 degrees in the summer. Is it possible to keep the azalea tree indoors and still have a healthy, beautiful plant?

Answer
Hi Diane,

Phoenix is a difficult climate for Azaleas.

Azaleas love cool temps and fresh air. They do best outside in the warmer months, but your hot dry summers are probably too much for them. Indoors they need lots of light, cool temps, and soil that is kept constantly moist, but not left standing in water. Even a single episode of drought can do it in. High humidity also helps. Fertilize with an acid-based fertilizer when it is growing actively.

The flower buds are formed in the summer and are much larger than leaf buds. It is best to keep the plant in a semi-shady cool place outdoors in summer. Are there such places in Phoenix?

Cool temps of about 50 degrees in the winter are important for setting buds. So try letting it stay outdoors in the fall as long as temps are above freezing. Then bring it indoors and put in a sunny window. Prune it back by about one-third following its spring blooming period, particularly long stems without many leaves.

These are difficult conditions to meet. It might be worth a try, but the chances of success are not great. In any case, good luck with it.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

If this information has been helpful, please click the Rate Volunteer bar below and enter a rating and nomination for me. Ratings are the only compensation I receive for answering plant questions.

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com
  
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]