Potting up an established azalea

Privet

Hi all. I have an azalea planted in the ground and it doesn't seem to be thriving. I want to pot it up into a large container to see whether this will help. It's been in the ground for a few years now. I want to give it a chance and I know it'll need ericaceous compost. When would be the best time to move it? Many thanks for any advice.

Fairygirl

Hi @Privet - what do you think is the reason for it not thriving? Alkaline soil, lack of water? Too sunny? 
All these things can be a reason. Sometimes, it's because a plant is a bit pot bound and never really gets it's roots out into it's surroundings. If you have a photo that will help with ideas. 

They need soil if you pot them up, so you'd need a loam based medium, and you can add some of your compost as well. Compost alone isn't enough for long term potted plants as it isn't hefty enough.
Autumn is a good time for moving though. Just take the usual steps with watering first and getting a good rootball. 

Privet

Hi Fairygirl. I am thinking my garden soil is too alkaline. I had this same thing happen with an azalea in the ground before and it really benefitted from being potted into a container. Thanks for the advice regarding potting medium. Sounds like now is a good time to do it!
Many thanks for that

Fairygirl

Yes - alkaline is no use for them. Neutral to acidic is what they need.