Azalea Disease

Question

My azaleas have some kind of fungus on the stems. It covers all the branches and looks very unsightly. It has a greenish-grey color and can be rubbed off by hand. The plants are still alive and flowering but have very few leaves, so that in winter they actually look dead. Can you please advise?

Answer 1

It is most likely lichen. This article will explain more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/fungus-lichen/treatment-tree-lichen.htm