A high-quality plant will have at least three to five open flowers and at least that many more buds showing in the center of the plant. If allowed to wilt or if placed in too dark a location, most of the buds may fall off. Gloxinias also come in purples, whites, pinks, and bicolors. Azaleas plants should be purchased with some or all flowers still in bud. Never let the soil dry out or the flowers may quickly wilt and fall off.
Azaleas are tough to keep year after year.
Florist azaleas are not winter hardy here. Perhaps the most durable flowering potted plants available this time of year are the kalanchoe and Christmas cactus . When buying a kalanchoe, look for lots of color and little or no dead flowers. Most of the plants sold as Christmas cactus are actually Thanksgiving cactus. Both should be kept evenly moist while in flower.