I have landscaped the front of my house and would like to put in Azaleas. I put some in two years ago and I believe I may have put the wrong kind in. These were very small and the ones that are still living have not grown at all. I was wondering what kind to get? How many I would need for the front of the house. Also, when is the best time to plant them and how to properly care for them?

Hopefully the front of your house is getting partial shade. Too much sunlight tends to stress out the azaleas. Also they prefer acid soils, you might have to apply an ironite product to correct any iron deficiencies in the plant. The foundation of your house can cause the soil to be alkaline which can tie up the iron in the soil.

Many azaleas can grow up to 5' wide, too wide for your planting bed. When planting the shrubs take into account mature size and aim to have a few inches separating them. It is also important to keep them 1' away from the house foundation to prevent moisture problem. Shrubs that reach 3' in width should be planted about 3' to 4 feet apart. A 42' wide mulch bed could accommodate approx. 11, 3' wide shrubs. If necessary, you will need to select much smaller varieties or possibly go with other plant material that better fits the size of your mulch bed.

Here is a list of shrubs that might fit your needs

• 'Gumpo' Azaleas - low growing, bloom mid to late spring, pink and white varieties available.
  
  
• 'Hino-Crimson' Azalea - small red flowers with reddish winter foliage.
  
  
• "Girard's Hot Shot" - 2.5" reddish-orange flowers.
  
  
• "Conversation piece Azalea - 3.5" flowers, white with purplish-red splotches.
  
  
• Nandina domestica - bamboo-like evergreen shrub with white flowers and reddish berries.
  
  
• "Hogendorn" Japanese Holly - small evergreen, good foundation plant.
  
  
• "Rotunda" Chinese Holly - small evergreen with spiny leaves. Plant under windows, good intruder deterrent.

Check with your nearest Agway Dealer for plant material that matches your specific lighting and soil conditions.