I have an indoor azalea that has swollen and distorted leaves what is causing this?

The azalea leaf gall fungus is responsible for the condition you describe.

If left on the plant, the infected leaves soon turn white as spores are produced, so constant picking off is the best treatment.

Following each leaf removal operation, spray with a fungicide to protect the new growth from attack.

Constant leaf removal and fungicide spraying should eradicate the infection.

I wish to plant a Japanese azalea, what is the ideal position?

They need a position sheltered from cold winds and early morning sun.

Don't plant them too deep. 

They tend to grow well beneath deciduous trees, where they get the benefit of full sun in the spring and dappled shade in summer when the trees are in full leaf.

They are shallow rooted so are best planted under trees that are deep rooted so that they do not compete with them for water and nutrients.

Ensure fallen leaves do not settle on foliage or flower buds as this will cause them to rot.

Which type of soil do Japanese azalea prefer?

They will not tolerate a chalky or limy soil, they prefer one with a pH of between 4.5 and 6.5.

They hate badly drained soil, a well-drained sandy loam is ideal. 

Lighter soil can be enriched with organic matter (avoid spent mushroom compost as it contains lime).

On heavier soils, dig in coarse sand or grit, plus organic matter to improve drainage and break up the clay.

If the soil is too alkaline, above pH 7 it will be better to plant out in raised beds or containers filled with ericaceous compost.

Always avoid dryness at the roots so a good mulch of rotted leafmould or chipped bark is advisable.

When should I prune azaleas?

Most azaleas don't need pruning although the need a general tidy up from time to time.

When this is required, cut the longer branches back to just above a cluster of buds in early spring.

When? and with what do I feed azaleas?

Evergreen azaleas shouldn't need regular feeding. 

However if they do look a bit worse for wear, a liquid feed applied at half strength should  perk them up.

Can I take cuttings of Azaleas? if so, how & when?

Azaleas are very slow growing so it may take a couple of years or so for rooted cuttings to flower.

For method click on related link.

Can I grow azaleas in a container?

es! Providing you keep them well watered. 

You will require a pot no less than 500mm (18”) square/diameter and 500mm(18”) deep, preferably filled with ericaceous compost, however, most ordinary multipurpose composts will do.

Apply a liquid fertiliser at fortnightly intervals from May to July or add a slow-release fertiliser to the compost at the start of the growing season.

In a hard water area, using tap water on your azaleas will gradually make the compost more alkaline.

To counteract this, water your plants with a weak solution of ammonium sulphate or weak tea once a month, at a rate of; a used tea bag, or a level teaspoonful of ammonium sulphate in 5 litres (1gall) of water

My potted azalea has finished flowering, how should I look after it?

Keep your azalea in an unheated room, and in a light place during the winter.

The leaves will drop off if the room is too warm and dry.

If the soil appears to be dry give it a good watering, overhead spraying of the leaves will help to keep the plant turgid.

If the plant is pot bound repot it in spring using an ericaceous (lime free) potting compost.

Trim/prune plant lightly to maintain shape.

Stand the pot outside in partial shade during the summer, returning it indoors around the end of September.