Expert: nick mccann - 8/1/2008

Question
I have 2 Azalia's I purchased. I live in zone 4 in Wisconsin. I was wondering can I put them in containers for the winter months. Or is it safe to leave them planted in the ground for the winter?

Answer
Audrey, I would pot them up, because most Azaleas are only hardy to zone 5. Wait until the first frost sets in, then snip off all the spent blooms and move it into an area where it only gets up to 50 degrees; keep it there for 6-8 weeks, it needs this cold for new bud development, then gradually move it to a warmer location and eventually back outside. Be careful not to give it a drastic change in temperature. Nick