I have a gentle bank of azaleas in my backyard. Some have been there 18 years. While they continue to grow and flower each year, I have been losing a lot of branches from them in the last few years. They are not thick like they used to be. There is no sign of bugs or fungus. Is there something I can do to get them back to healthy looking plants? They look so spindly now.
Just in case, check this article for signs of botryosphaeria disease:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/azalea-branches-dying.htm
Also, the borers described in the article and in the following article would be inside the branches, so the presence of insects wouldn't be obvious from the outside:
http://extension.umd.edu/learn/ipm-series-azaleas-and-rhododendrons-hg51
Another possibility is that the azaleas are unhappy in their current conditions- for example, perhaps the soil pH is too high or they are in excessive sun, especially if something in their surroundings has changed in the last few years.
I only have six buds on my azalea bush this year can i cut it back next year would that help?
Pruning certainly can help rejuvenate a plant, but make sure you prune at the correct time.
Also check soil, nutrients, location and inspect the plant for disease or pests.
These links will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/azalea-not-blooming.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/azaleas-noteworthy-shrubs-for-any-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/pruning-azaleas.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/fertilizer-for-azaleas.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/common-azalea-problems.htm
I am trying to get azaleas to replace some dead indian hawthirnes. All the azaleas I see at the stores have bloomed and the flowers are gone. Will they come back If I plant them?
You will need to make sure you plant a hardy Azalea suited for your growing zone.
Go to a garden center or nursery in your area and look for varieties for your area.
Make sure you have the correct conditions needed to grow Azaleas.
This article will help familiarize you with the needs of these beautiful shrubs.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/azaleas-noteworthy-shrubs-for-any-garden.htm
I noticed that my azaleas in front have all very dark black stems---all the way from the ground upto almost the end of the stems. The ground below each plant is covered in stones and the stones too have turned all black. Is there anything that I can do other than removing them? Does the soil then remain a problem and make it difficult to grow other things there now? Thanks for your advice.
It sounds like Sooty Mold on your Azaleas.
This is caused by pests or insects on your plants.
Try to identify the pests involved and follow the treatment in the link below.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron/rhododendron-sooty-mold.htm
My azeleas aren't doing very well. I have two of them. They look spindly with small leaves and not a lot of them making the branches somewhat bare. My neighbor gave me them from his yard and I put them in a year ago. I would think they would be doing better by now. There is some green moss on them but not a lot. Can you help me. Cindi
Check the growing conditions as listed in the links below.
A soil test may be the best way to determine what your plants are in need of.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/common-azalea-problems.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/azaleas-noteworthy-shrubs-for-any-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/fertilizer-for-azaleas.htm
One azelea has black stems and occasional white balls indicating a fungus. What can I do?
This is Bark Scale and you should treat your plants with an insecticidal soap.
Here are some links with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/azalea-bark-scale.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/homemade-soap-spray.htm
I trimed to much off my azalea bushes and the do not bloom any more, this is the third year with out blooms what can I do???
Excessive pruning is definitely one possibility, but check this article to see if any of these other reasons might apply to you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/azalea-not-blooming.htm
A soil test may be a good idea to help pinpoint a nutrition issue.
Your local County Extension Office can help you with this.
Here is a link to help you locate your closest office.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search/
Optimize the plants care and follow a fertilizer schedule.