I decided on ProvenWinner's Bloom-A-Thon Pink Double Azalea. I have a very slim knowledge on azaleas, though. I know they like acidic soil, so I bought an organic fertilizer that makes the soil more acidic. I haven't bought any azalea-specific fertilizer. Do they like water soluble fertilizer, or prefer slow release? What is a good brand? Also, since Indiana's dirt is almost worthless, what should I amend into it to make the azalea actually survive? All help is appreciated!

Well, as a quick and unfortunate update on this; I'll have to cancel my order on the azalea. I didn't realize when I bought it that it was only hardy to zone 6b (not 6a). I guess it'll be a hydrangea for me.

Oh good! Now I don't have to write back and say, "Ah, ummm... Not hardy in your zone."

For the rest of your question, add some milled peat. The fertilizer brand doesn't make a difference as long as its for Azaleas. Don't fertilize newly planted plants, give them a chance to acclimate to their new home first.

DaisyI said:Oh good! Now I don't have to write back and say, "Ah, ummm... Not hardy in your zone."

For the rest of your question, add some milled peat. The fertilizer brand doesn't make a difference as long as its for Azaleas. Don't fertilize newly planted plants, give them a chance to acclimate to their new home first.

Thanks! I requested to cancel the azalea order, and have now selected (not bought though) a new type of azalea. It's the Bi-Colored Encore Azalea! It says it's hardy to 6a, but I want to hear some opinions on it first.

I would consider an azalea rated to Zone 6a marginal. If you have an unusually cold winter, your azalea will be toast.

I would look for an azalea that was rated to at least Zone 5, just because I don't like to replace plants every couple years. Here is a list for Zone 5 azalea:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.c...

DaisyI said:I would consider an azalea rated to Zone 6a marginal. If you have an unusually cold winter, your azalea will be toast.

I would look for an azalea that was rated to at least Zone 5, just because I don't like to replace plants every couple years. Here is a list for Zone 5 azalea:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.c...

So basically the only azaleas that are hardy in my zone are the ones that only bloom for a short period of time. I guess I'll just have to move on from the azalea plant completely. Oh well! I probably would've killed it anyway!

Why don't you research it at Indiana's Azalea Path Arboretum and Botanical Gardens in Hazleton?

luis_pr said:Why don't you research it at Indiana's Azalea Path Arboretum and Botanical Gardens in Hazleton?

Wow, it's only a few cities from mine, and yet I didn't even know it existed!

I actually did end up finding an azalea I like and that was hardy in my zone. It's called Azalea Weston's Innocence. While not reblooming - it does bloom in the summer - which is what I was looking for! I didn't want the classic spring-blooming azalea because it's a bit too basic to me, and the lilac next to it would be blooming at the same time.