I don't know about those 2 varieties, but the Northern Lights Azalea is only hardy to zone 3--my zone. I know someone who bought one and it died the first winter, so I don't know if it's even that hardy.

I had a Northern Lights as well - did everything you're supposed to do (and they're fussy plants), but it didn't make it either.

I have a Golden light azalea, and the first year I had it I winter protected it with a cardboard cage around it filled with bags of leaves. That spring there was no winter die back and it bloomed wonderfully. Unfortunately I did not water it well enough when I went on holidays, and half of the plant died back due to drought last July. Since it was such a sad looking plant I thought I could experiment and see how it would come through this winter without any additional protection.

Looking at the plant so far this spring I do think that it is alive, however this was an unusual year in Calgary in that we had snow cover all year long. I would recommend trying this plant in zone one since Home Depot sells these plants relatively cheaply, so it doesn't hurt so much if you loose it! I don't think it would survive without winter protection though.

Hi
Canadian Tire has some Rhododendron, that isn't real expensive(can't remember the name) that I'm going to give a try. I'm a zone 2. My sister asked what plant she could get me so I told her I wanted to try it so she is buying it so even if it doesn't make it I'll only be out the time, not the money. They do sound kind of finicky though!
Kathy

I agree, they do sound finicky, but I love them, they are so beautiful. I was at the grocery store yesterday and they had two varieties.... lollipop and apricot surprise. They both looked very healthy and were only 20 bucks each. I think I'll go back for them and give it a go. I have a nice protected site for them where I think they have a pretty good shot at surviving. Thanks for the advice guys!