Potted azaleas have a long and prodigious history, as both year-round and seasonal blooming plants.  Azaleas actually belong to the Rhododendron family, which dates back to the late Cretaceous period of 70 million years ago. Today, horticulturists propagate thousands of azalea varieties. The basic azalea flower colors, i.e. red, white, pink, coral and bi-colors, can be found in an endless variety of shades and color patterns that make each plant's color appear slightly different.

The seasonal varieties are deciduous and with a little effort can be made to bloom every spring in the garden.  Whereas the year-round varieties are evergreens. bred and hybridized to be propagated, grown and budded in a greenhouse for 18 months and then sold as they begin to bloom.  They are grown for a one-time splash of color (up to six weeks).  The beautiful green plant will last for months in the home or transplanted to the garden but it will not bloom again nor will it survive the harsh Ontario winter. 

All of the potted greenhouse azaleas grown in Ontario are the evergreen varieties, thanks to the advanced methods of plant production and genetic manipulation by US-based Yoder Brothers, the company who developed a patented grower method to produce fresh potted azaleas every week throughout the year. A large percentage of the 16 million potted azaleas sold annually, are finished in Ontario's greenhouses, then shipped to northeastern markets on a weekly bases.

Potted azaleas have totally captured the Internet gift market for holidays and birthdays - these sturdy woody plants with the tight root balls and candled blossoms are perfectly designed for the rigors of the shipping business.

Although azaleas can tolerate normal room temperatures, they will last much longer in cool conditions. Place the plant in the coolest part of the house in a well-lit location but out of direct sunlight.  Avoid allowing a potted azalea to wilt, as dehydration will increase leaf drop. Since azaleas are acid lovers, there is a lot of peat mixed into the soil medium and that encourages it to dry out quickly. Water the plant by submerging the grow pot in a bucket and remove it when bubbles stop rising. Allow excess water to drain out before returning the pot to its container. Never allow the plant to sit in water.  Deadhead spent blooms and sweep away any shedding leaves.