Question
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Followup
Question -once planted and mulched, do I cut the branches down to the ground and do I put anything over it..like a box etc. When and how do I activate it in the Spring?
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Followup To..I'm in northern Illinois..what zone is this> Thanks
Question -
I bought a blooming axalea at the Jewel..moved it into a large pot (15 in wide)(11 in deep)..it took well..now has straight shrub like, leaved branches about 12 in long..fanning out into a circle about 18 in..in diameter. It has been outside all summer. ?What to do with it for our winter: we are already getting frost nights (I have covered it the last 3 nights). ?Will it survive the winter as is? ?Transplant it now..leaving it outside?Must move it inside?
Answer -
Robert,
Important question...Where are you located? The care of the Azalea all depends on what your location is.If you are in zones 5 to 7 the Azalea should be planted in the ground between now until mid November or anytime before your ground freezes.If you are in zones above 7 it is fine outdoors in an insulated resin type pot.Zones above 8(where it never reaches temps below 32 degrees) it is fine in any type of pot outdoors.If you do not want to plant it in the ground and you are in any zone below 7 then you should bring it inside when the weather forecasts temps below 32 degrees.Set it in front of a window with direct sunlight or below a plant light at least 6 hours per day all winter until spring,then you may set it back indoors.For more info on all types of Azaleas go to www.google.com and type in a direct search for "Azalea care".Hope this is helpful to you.
Answer -
Robert,
You are in Zone 5.If you want the Azalea to remain as a potted plant bring it indoors when temps are forecasted to dip below 32 degrees.Or plant it outdoors before the ground freezes and add about 3 inches of hardwood mulch on top of the planting site.
AnswerRobert,
No,you can just plant it,water it deeply and if you do not receive any rainfall within the next week you need to water it every week if it does not rain. Water it for about 4 weeks.Mulch after planting and that's it.No trimming or activation in Spring.It SHOULD bloom this next spring,but if not do not be alarmed.It MAY take one more growing season before it blooms.You can water it with Miracle Gro Bloom Booster AFTER you see the first hint of color in the buds in Spring.Hope it blooms beautifully for you!
