Question
QUESTION: I need to move an azalea bush that is in close proximity to my camellia-i figure the roots are intertwined or very close together-will lose azalea if i have to-don't want to lose camellia-camellia approx 6ft.-azalea approx 3 ft across-don't know about disturbing camellia's roots??

ANSWER: Hello Dewey

You say the two plants are in close proximity, but you don't say how close!  But - it may be possible to dig out the azalea if you start on the side furthest away from the camellia.  

Azalea roots are usually not too deep so get your spade blade down as far as it will go and then see if the azalea moves when you push the top end of the spade down a little.  If it doesn't, move the spade round to one side of the plant and try again.  When the plant begins to move start to lever it up most of the way around its base, leaving the area closest to the camellia intact for the time being.  

When it is fairly free, begin (gently) to pull it out of the ground (you may have to cut some of the 'anchor' roots at this stage).  You should be able to trace the azalea roots down into the ground where they are near, or entangled with, the camellia roots - they may pull out, but cut them if you have to, but take as long a piece of root as you can!

Hopefully you'll be able to do all this without too much disturbance to the camellia!

When the azalea is free, and if there are any camellia roots exposed, backfill over and around them, gently firming the soil as you go.  When you are finished give the plant a good watering.

Assuming that you have a good clump of rootstock on the azalea, replant it in its new location as soon as possible, water it in well, stand back and wait!  Azaleas are pretty tough plants.  I've moved several and they have always come through the experience OK!

Good luck

Gill

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: the two plants are no more than 1 to 2 feet apart--will this make a difference?

Answer
Hello again Dewey

Yes, I'm afraid that this makes a huge difference.  I think that untangling the roots of the two plants will be impossible.  The azalea has to go, if you want to save the camellia.  Cut it down as close to the ground as you can, scrape away the top soil and cut out as many roots as possible.  If you do see any azalea regrowth (which may or may not happen) scrape away the earth again and pull the shoots off where they are attached to a root.  Eventually the plant will just give up trying to regrow!!

Alternatively, if the stump is fairly big you could apply a stump killer to it.  This should be available at any garden center.  Be sure to follow the instructions on the container very carefully.

Sorry about this.

Gill