They won't like it in the clay, but they won't particularly like it sat just above the clay either. Can you punch through the clay in a few spots? Or find somewhere that the subsoil has slope to provide drainage? I suspect the ones that you are losing is due to them sitting in waterlogged soil occasionally.

I agree with shrubs. They like the soil deep down not to be straight clay. Can you work something into the bottom of the hole so that will give them some depth? Hard clay is not good.

Thank you both

I can definitely dig deeper than 8 inches and add something in the bottom. That's how I plant my azaleas.

What should I work in? Do they like pine bark or maybe cotton bur compost? Maybe some pecan leaves? All of these I have on hand. I assume that peat would hold too much water...have sphagnum peat moss too.

thanks again

eagerly awaiting the new arrivals

cynthia