Q.Azalea Problem
Several of my over 40-year-old, large Azalea bushes have experienced a random dying off small branches on several sides of the bushes starting in the spring. I originally thought it was frost/snow damage and cut the dead branches back. It’s summer now and new sections are dying off in the same manner. I was using a two gallon spray can with insect spray and witnessed a group of 20+ insects fly out of the bushes. But the random dying of small branches continues. What can I do? I never experienced this before and at this time it’s affecting 2 of my 20 azaleas, and the ones which over the years have grown together.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
It sounds like it may be Twig Blight. Check under the bark of the dead branches for a red dicoloration. If you find this, it is Twig Blight and all the affected branches must be removed,making cuts a few inches below discoloration, and destroyed to have any chance of saving the bushes.
