Azaleas in question are more than 20 years old and have lichen-like grey mould on small branches. There are no leaves on affected areas, no sign of insects. Mature azalea has been taken over by disease and now no flowers. Cause please.
A photo would aid in my identification but I will give this my best shot. If it was in fact lichen, the lichen would not be the cause of your azalea's problems - lichen are harmless. For more information on lichen, please visit this link: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/fungus-lichen/treatment-tree-lichen.htm
Scale pests, which would stress the azalea and affect leaves/blooms, are sometimes mistaken for lichen. To give you an idea of what I mean, check out the following photo: http://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/hort/files/2014/03/crapemyrtle-scale.jpg
The grey mold could also be black sooty mold. Black sooty mold is mold that grows on the honeydew secreted by scale and other numerous insects, such as thrips, which are hard to see with the naked eye. However, given the lichen crusty appearance, I am leaning towards scale.
Here is more information on scale and black sooty mold to assist you in zeroing in on a diagnosis:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/control-plant-scale.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/azalea-bark-scale.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm
I bought an azalea last spring and it was beautiful all year. This year it was all brown so I was going to get a new one and then it started to get green leaves. Will it come back? Should I cut it back or throw it out? In the fall, should they be cut back?
Here is a link to Azalea care.
New soil and Bug Be Gon and azaleas are starting to droop and leaves falling off. We lost all of our new azaleas last year, one by one. They drooped and lost all their leaves and died. We totally changed the soil and put bug killer in the new dirt. It's happening again. Why since we keep sprinkling Sevin dust and they were doing really great?
I need a little more information. Are you sure that your azaleas died last year because of an insect? If so, what insect pest were your azaleas afflicted with and did that insect return this year? What bug killer did you put in the new dirt? Also, please describe the care the azaleas are receiving with regards to watering, lighting, fertilizing, etc.
Here are some articles on azalea diseases and pests that will help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/common-azalea-problems.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/azalea-lace-bug.htm
I live in Northern Michigan and received an azalea for Mother's Day. Can this be planted outside or stay in the container to be brought in during winter?
Yes, azaleas can be planted outdoors. Here is more info on growing them: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/azaleas-noteworthy-shrubs-for-any-garden.htm
Azaleas were planted in full sun by landscaper. Plants a year old. Watered by drip system and soil moist under and around plants. This summer, bush leaves became pale and then bush died.
It sounds like it may be azalea lace bug. These articles will help: https://utextension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/SP290-E.pdf
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/azalea-lace-bug.htm
My elderly neighbor is so upset because her Azalea plant appears to be dying. Yes, it's been terribly hot, but we water deeply. It's got dried, crumbly leaves and flowers but when we were picking them off, I noticed a rust-colored dust on many and rust-colored spots also. I don't know if we're watering too much (she says we have to keep it moist at all times in this heat) or if something else is wrong. Can you help? As of today, more than half the plant is dying (even inside, where the sun doesn't hit). Thank you very much!
Your azalea may be suffering from rust disease. This article will help you with your rust problem: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/learn-about-plant-rust-disease-and-rust-treatment.htm
Old, established azalea plants getting heavy moss covering all of the branches. Is this a disease? I live in the Seattle, WA. area.
It is most likely lichen. It is not harmful to the plant, but if you want to get rid of it, this article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/epiphytes/treatment-tree-lichen.htm
If lichen is not the issue and it's indeed moss, this article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/moss-on-plants.htm