Add organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, to soil. Remove azalea from container, loosen rootball. Set plant in prepared hole, making sure top of rootball is above soil level. Pull soil around plant, water in firmly and cover with mulch. Cold hardy to Zone 6.
New azaleas die quickly when soil dries excessively.
New azalea should not need regular watering after first year, except during drought. Fertilize with recommended azalea food soon after planting. Do not fertilize in fall. Azaleas do well when planted in fall. New roots produced in fall help azalea flourish during next growing season.