hollyd
so so sorry for your loss. here is a bit of info from one of the forums i hope it helps
Azaleas may be transplanted successfully during almost any season of the year, but early fall at the beginning of their dormant period is the best time.
Here is the procedure I try to follow....
Transplanting Azaleas
Dig your new hole about 2 feet deep, and 1 foot wider each way than the full spread of the root ball of the
plant (this larger hole will benefit the rapid regrowth of the roots).
Mix in a generous amount of peat moss and compost and a handful of transplant food to the soil you have removed.
Fill the hole with water.
Take a sharp shovel, and cut a circular narrow trench (cutting the roots cleanly) at the drip line of the
plant you are going to move, making your cuts as vertical as possible, and about 12-18 inches deep.
If possible, get some help, and using 2 or 3 shovels positioned evenly around the
plant, simultaneously apply lever pressure to the shovels. The
plant should "POP" up out of the hole.
Get some help, and remove the
plant from the hole, and into a wheelbarrow, or tarp. Transport it to your prepared hole.
Set the
plant into the hole, adding or removing soil so that the
plant is as close as possible to the depth at which it was previously
growing.
Turn the
plant in the hole so that it presents its best side toward the area it will be viewed from.
Again, fill the hole with water, and then begin to add the soil to the hole. Yes, you will have a muddy mess, but this will insure that there are no air pockets around the roots.
Apply a mulch if desired.
Step back and admire your work,,,next
spring its going to look great!
For more general care of Azaleas, go to azaleas.htm