Hello all,

I'm redoing a bed at my house this summer, ripping everything out and amending the soil, after attempting (FINALLY) to kill off all the quack grass that i have invading the bed. One of the items in the bed is a rather decrepid looking azalea (type unknown, blooms a deep pink). My mom has planted azaleas and rhody's all her life, and not a single one has thrived. She's basically murdering the poor things, over and over. I've read some hints on here that I didnt' know about before, and I shall try those.

Now, my question - I need to move this azalea. It did bloom this spring, on only the lower branches. It's probably been there for at least 10 years. The main stem is about 3-4" in diameter, and very woody, and frankly, growing slant-wise instead of straight up. Is there any hint or trick to moving one, to make sure I don't finish the killing-off record my mom has? I'd love to get at least one to grow well and bloom for her. The location I have in mind is under the broad, high canopy of a silver maple, in another bed i intend to rip out and amend. Our soil is very clayey (as most of this part of ohio is), but I have access to very good soil from our pasture lands.

when i tranplant it, should I attempt to straighten it so taht it is growing straight? or replant it the way it was? The entire bush is pretty much growing crooked now, after so many years planted wrong.

suggestion?

thanx in advance,

-jaz