AusBonsai

Hi Everyone. I have been given 2 large azalias that are in the ground at a friends house. I have to dig them up very soon as this person is selling up.My question is - is it ok for me to lift them at this time of year. I havnt had much to do with azalias but these 2 are to good to pass up. Any advice would be helpfull , thanks

PS I live in Northern NSW
all the best Bonsaiboy50

I have dug azaleas in Sydney at this time with no issues so long as you give good after care and get as much rootball as you can.
I Cut them back hard when collected too
Ken

If you must dig them in February ensure that they are saturated before you begin. Then shade them and keep them well hydrated till the autumn growth appears. Good Luck. I've had losses in a similar scenario. Bulky azaleas are rare and you must seize the opportunity.
Cheers
Lindsay

Take some cuttings at the same time. Trimming it back a bit when you lift it will stress the roots less, and even if they do die you will have some cutting material coming along for 'one day'

Hi,
I would take as much soil as you can and cut them back as much as you dare. The optimum time for moving azalea is straight after they flower. Remember when you do pot them up to get a high pressure hose and wash all the garden soil off the roots. That is in spring not now.

if your in nth nsw you should be getting rain this week get out and do it in the rain and its ment to rain for the next week here in se qld with a cooler change if so you should be right use a free draining mix like diatomite 50/50 with sifted soil and water regulary twice a day they love water and if you can get it grab some auxinone rooting liquid from a rural supplier or nursery and water in with this every couple of waters should be right