A blooming azelea from the florist [1] is often received as a gift; and although full of blooms which can last upwards of six to eight weeks, particularly if the plant is kept cool, once those blooms drop, you are essentially left with a foliage houseplant.

But azeleas are easy to get to re-bloom. Like other woody type houseplants, azeleas benefit from spending the summer outdoors. Select a location with partial sun and where the plant will be protected from hot dry winds. Water as needed and fertilize two or three times during the summer. Most houseplants need to be brought inside in early September before frost threatens. Not so with an azelea. They actually begin to set flower buds in response to falling night temperatures. Keep them outdoors until nights drop into the 30's, then bring them inside to a cool sunny location, such as an unheated spare bedroom or basement window. When the buds are quite visible, bring the plant into the living area to be enjoyed for many weeks to come.