Yes: Roots aren't meant to be damaged. They aren't even very cold-tolerant, relative to the top of the same plant, with root damage to potted stock sitting above the ground occurring at about 20 degrees F. higher temperature than the tops. Balling in burlap and bare-rooting kill most of the small roots, that is why top growth is stunted the first year after these are transplanted. The roots run the show, if something happens to the roots the top has to wait until these recover before it can carry on as before. With container stock you are supposed to be able to slip the plant out of the pot and into the ground with little root damage. However, in practice growers generate much rootbound stock, making it necessary for the serious gardener to wash these of soil and inspect the roots for defects, correct them at planting time. Most stock I look at here has signs of having been left in a small container too long. This includes container-grown broad-leaved evergreens. I seldom buy camellias form local garden centers as the two giant California growers that supply nearly all of the material offered here are very consistent about sending up terribly rootbound camellias. I have even seen 5 gallon stock with a small square of roots on top of the potting medium, in full view and indicating the plant sat in a square pot for a (too) long time when small. Rhododendrons, azaleas and other heath family shrubs are a problem because their fine, dense sod-like roots do not lend themselves to bare-rooting very much.

Hello, suel41452. You know, I would hesitate to plant them in full sun but then again, I live in Texas. It seems the further north one plants, the lesser of a problem Full Sun Exposure becomes for some azaleas. But I am afraid that everything would start fine and then, in the summer, I would forget and find them dead. You can, of course, experiment. Plant them in the location you are considering and replant them if you later decide that the plants are stressed. Monitor ALL FOUR AZALEAS every other day to see how goes it. When I lived in Georgia, I saw plenty of 4.5' tall azaleas. I don't know how tall they get in zone 6 though. Since they are not rapid growers like roses, it could take quite a few years for a 1-gallon plant to achieve that height. I have not measured the amount of growth of my Encores from one year to the next but, I would guess they have only grown a little... one or two inches a year, perhaps? That is a completely unscientific guesstimate on my part. As for planting on a slope, all things being equal, you may get good drainage in that location. I have not tried to make hedges using azaleas so check the information on the website that rhodyman suggested. They may even have a Customer Assistance Telephone or email where you could directly ask them that question. Good luck with your new plants, suel41452! Luis

From the Encore website: Autumn Debutante (Rhododendron Hybrid) Although the plant itself grows to a moderate mature size, the blooms and leaves of the Autumn Debutante are strikingly big and broad. The luster of the dark green leaves contrasts well with the delicate, light pink flowers, making a beautiful landscape statement. Growing & Maintenance Tips: This plant prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Bloom Color - Light pink Arbor Day Hardiness Zones 7, 8, 9, 10 Height: 4 feet Spread: 4 feet Bloom Span: 3 inches across Bloom Form: Single Autumn Carnation (Rhododendron Hybrid) Now gardeners can enjoy the rich medium pink blooms made popular by the blooms seen once a year on the Pink Ruffle azalea. The exceptional flower quality, color and lustrous dark green foliage make this variety an excellent landscape addition. Growing & Maintenance Tips: This plant prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Bloom Color - Medium pink Arbor Day Hardiness Zones 7, 8, 9, 10 Height: 4.5 feet Spread: 4 feet Bloom Span: 2.5 inches across Bloom Form: Double Autumn Sweetheart (Rhododendron Hybrid) Autumn Sweetheart offers two shades of color. The pink flowers are so soft they sometimes appears almost white. Dotted with lavender freckles, the tantalizing blooms provide the perfect adornment for the rich evergreen foliage. The growth habit and striking color combination make this variety well suited for foundation planting. Growing & Maintenance Tips: This plant prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Bloom Color - Soft pink to almost white blossoms with lavender freckles Arbor Day Hardiness Zones 7, 8, 9, 10 Height: 4 feet Spread: 4 feet Bloom Span: 2.5 inches across Bloom Form: Single

Razorback, they can be rather tricky to grow outside of their normal habitat. I see them in the hills on moist rich well drained soils often near creeks or under bluff overhangs. I have also seen and smelled them growing on top of a fairly dry outcrop under the boney shade of shortleaf pines and dry oaks. I think drainage is key, and the right amount of water when it's dry until well established. I would think that clay would be disasterous for them. I bought one from Mary Ann King, Pine Ridge Gardens last spring. I planted it in a new raised bed that I built last winter. It is filled entirely with home made compost, peat moss, municipal compost (I can't speak highly enough about this stuff!), and maybe some of that crappy bagged stuff sold at the big boxes as "organic humus" which is mostly sand with some bark products added for color. It has thrived in it's first growing season here. It held all of it's leaves, and put up a second wave of growth during late spring. It's got 2 flower buds for next year! I can't wait. We barely missed the Easter Freeze of aught seven here in Little Rock, so it didn't get burnt. This is my third native azalea. I have a cansecens in simular situation, but perhaps brighter, and an austrinum also planted last year. Some of the foliage got a bit of sunscald on it, but it's held up pretty well. I think it might also have a flower cluster bud for next spring. All in all, my luck with native azaleas has been spotty at best. I don't water enough during the dry endless days of summer on my boney west-face hillside. Perhaps I should enjoy them in their home grounds instead of attempting to grow them, but I just can't help myself. Some time in the next year or two I'm going to attempt a bog garden with some leftover pond liner. When I have a thriving umbrella magnolia I'll know that I have reached my limits.