QUESTION: I planted three fragrant abelias this spring. They look very healthy, are growing well and get sun most of the day. But they have not flowered at all. I have planted the Edward Goucher abelias in the past, and they have always flowered profusely. Any suggestions?ANSWER: Unlike the abelias such as Edward Goucher, which blooms in summer, the fragrant abelia blooms in late spring-early summer. This is an entirely different species of abelia. You have missed the flowering season this year, probably because the shrubs were spending their energy growing roots and getting established in their new place.

QUESTION: I fear I have overwatered a couple of my newly (this spring) planted azaleas. They are still hanging on, but looking pretty bad. Is there anything I can do to help them recover, or am I just out of luck on these? The leaves look wilted, but the soil is moist, so I know they haven't dried out. They are the Gibraltar orange azaleas and are so beautiful when they bloom.ANSWER: It sounds like you are putting enough water on the soil, but that the plant is not getting enough of it. Azaleas are famous for being root-bound when taken out of the containers. Growers push the plants to make them fluffy and attractive to sell. That means root development is also vigorous. Teasing these roots away from the root ball or making a shallow cut down the sides and across the bottom of the root ball are two ways to encourage outer growth. The watering you are doing is not getting into the root zone but is running off to the sides. This summer, try to water the plants very slowly, so that the water seeps into the root zone. A very slow trickle of the hose should do this for you.