Post-Bloom Care for Gift Azaleas in Cold Climates

I received an azalea as a gift. It's finished blooming. I live in Illinois with cold winters. What do I do now? When/how will it bloom again?

Expert Advice

Gift azaleas are typically hybrids forced to bloom on schedule in 6- or 8-inch pots for indoor use. They rarely bloom well again.

As a Foliage Plant

If you're happy keeping it as a green plant, place it outdoors in light shade during warm months. Bring it inside before the first frost. To encourage rebloom, provide 50–60°F temperatures for about a month to initiate buds, then another month for them to open. If you can't provide these conditions, keep it as a foliage plant—it's unlikely to flower.

General Care

Either way, keep it pot-bound and never allow more than the soil surface to dry out.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC
wcreed@HorticulturalHelp.com