One possibility is root strangulation. If you don't untangle the roots when you plant, the plant may be root bound and eventually the roots will strangle each other. That would explain why one plant could be perfectly healthy and the one next to it dying. Most rhododendron and azalea plants sold at nurseries and garden centers are sold in containers or have a root-ball that is covered with burlap. These plants have a potentially serious problem when the roots reach the container and start circling inside the pot. They become pot bound or root bound. These roots must be cut so they don't continue to grow and start strangling other roots. Many apparently healthy plants die when the roots start strangling each other. To prevent this when planting, it is necessary to remove the plant from the container and and examine their roots. If the plants appear pot-bound and have a thick, dense mat of fibrous roots along the surface of the root ball, used a knife to make three to six vertical cuts, about 2 inches deep, equally spaced around the sides of the root ball. Then use your hands to gently loosen the roots where cuts were made and pull the roots outward. This process stimulates new root growth and allows water and nutrients to penetrate into the root mass. If the roots are not pot-bound, it is not necessary to slice them with a knife, but it is beneficial to loosen and pull them outward with your hands. When working with roots, make sure the plant is thoroughly watered. Any roots that dry out will die. Here is a link that might be useful: How to grow rhododendrons and azaleas.

Here is a link that will take you directly to the coupon. http://www.pikenursery.com/images/news/coupon.html

Westelle, what a great site! Good growers won't usually offer plants when it's too late to ship and plant in most Zones. If anyone is really itching to plant, try anything that behaves like lettace or other cool weather, quick germinating crop, but use containers. They'll stay warmer, and you can regulate moisture and light. Lemon Basil is particularly wonderful. If it starts to get cold, just throw a plastic shopping bag over the top of the plants. I sometimes mix in a seeds of romaine and spinach and have ready to eat salad in about 4 weeks. What the heck??? Anything is worth a shot :-) Martie

Yes, I signed up as soon as we moved here - thought it would help me to learn how things might be different than in MD. The magazine is great and I keep all copies but the weekly newsletter is a BIG bonus. Dorothy