Planting A Mother's Day Gift Azalea Outdoors?

Discussion in 'Annuals, Biennials, Perennials, Ferns and Bulbs' started by Bluewing, May 11, 2009.

  1. Bluewing

    Bluewing Well-Known Member

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    Ok, you all have probably been asked this quite a few times....

    I received a 6" potted gift Azalea on Sunday which has lots of pink blooms. My brother said it should stay as a houseplant, but I know unless you have a cool place for it, it won't do all that well in the winter months with the heat on, I tried it before and many of the leaves looked brown dry and just plain terrible from lack of humidity.

    I have two Azalea's that do very well in my yard.
    Can my "gift Azalea plant" be planted outdoors and survive cold NY winters? If not, why not?

    Thanks for any information you may have:)
     
  2. Newt

    Newt Well-Known Member 10 Years

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    Hi Bluewing,

    What a lovely gift! As to planting your azalea outside, what you have is called a florist azalea. This site should explain it.
    http://www.azaleas.org/faq.html#flo

    Here's their site you can look at for more help.
    http://www.azaleas.org/faq.html

    Newt
     
  3. Bluewing

    Bluewing Well-Known Member

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    Hey Newt!

    Thanks so much for all the information and sites to browse! Unfortunately, the plant didn't come with a tag, so I don't know the name to look up whether it's hardy or not. I could keep it in the garage in it's pot through the winter (semi heated 50-55 degrees) that is, if I chicken out from planting it outdoors, but I'm leaning towards planting in the garden, if it makes it, great, if not, that will be ok too. I'm sure I can get another one and try the garage method next time.

    Thanks again!
     
  4. Newt

    Newt Well-Known Member 10 Years

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    Bluewing, you are so very welcome! I'd say to give it a go when the flowers are gone and plant it outside with lots of compost.

    Newt
     
  5. Bluewing

    Bluewing Well-Known Member

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    Newt,

    Yes, I think that's what I'll do, shouldn't hurt too much if it doesn't make it...
     
  6. Newt

    Newt Well-Known Member 10 Years

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    Bluewing, good luck with it!

    Newt
     
  7. Bluewing

    Bluewing Well-Known Member

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    Thank you Newt!
     

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