I have an azalea with numerous spots of a pale green growth on it. There are branches with defoliation and some have died. What is it and how do I treat the bush?
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 If there are no signs of lace bug, then it could also be azalea gall. This disease commonly occurs in early spring on new leaf growth. The leaves become curled, fleshy, and pale green to white. Affected leaves eventually turn brown and should be removed and destroyed. However, it is most likely attributed to lace bugs, as they generally cause bleaching (pale green) of the leaves.
I planted my Azalea bush last year. It did have couple of blooms on it in Nov. Now my leaves are brown. Is it DEAD or in need of pruning?
This could be a number of things--too little or too much water, over fertilizing, leaf scorch (if planted in too much sun), etc. It may help to prune the plants to help rejuvenate it. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/pruning-azaleas.htm Here is additional information that might help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/how-to-tell-if-a-plant-is-dead-and-how-to-recover-an-almost-dead-plant.htm
We have recently noticed a growth on the tips of our azaleas. Lawn maintenance tells us it is gall, but your description of gall does not match the stone colored growth we are experiencing. The azaleas are about 5 feet tall and mature. We are planning to trim them back in the next few weeks, as we do each year. Will trimming take care of the problem, or do we need to take more action?
It is most likely azalea gall, which will commonly produce stone-like growths that may be pale yellow, light green or brownish in color. At any rate, the leaves will need to be removed and destroyed (including any foliage on the ground around the shrubs), as this is caused by a fungus and will spread. You can also treat the shrubs with neem oil to help control the fungus. It will also help with any pest issues that may arise as well.
The plants have been beautiful during the flowering season. Still had blooms but were fading. Did not notice that the leaves were turning whitish until today.
It sounds like you might have scale on your plants. This article tells more about them and their control: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/scale-bug-how-to-control-plant-scale.htm Whatever control you use, make sure to apply it once a week for 4 weeks to break the life cycle of the bugs.
Also, here's an article on other possible problems that might affect azalea: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/common-azalea-problems.htm
Last year my azalea leaves were suddenly half eaten by what I think were lace bugs before I used insecticides. Will this reoccur? Do I spray before it blooms? What is the best method of prevention and what products do you recommend? It is located on the westerly side and has shade until 2 pm. Do the bugs come from the ground and, if so, what is the treatment? How do I know if the soil is acidic enough other than using acidic fertilizers? Thanks for your help!
This article will help with the azalea lace bugs and their treatment: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/azalea-lace-bug.htm Also, I would suggest using neem oil. It is safe and effective for treating pests like these. Here is more info: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/pests/neem-oil-uses.htm To find out if your soil is acidic, you will need a soil test. Your local extension office can provide this for free or low cost, or you can purchase a soil testing kit.
I live in Tacoma, WA and have an area I’d like to plant some small azaleas in; however, the soil there is very sandy. What are some short term solutions to making the soil suitable for the azaleas?
This article will help with amending your soil: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/amending-sandy-soil.htm These shrubs prefer well-draining, acidic soil. You may want to test the soil pH. You can do this yourself with a soil testing kit or through your local extension office. Then you can treat as needed. This article will give suggestions on raising the soil acidity, if necessary: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/raise-acid-level-soil.htm
My azalea bush has a greenish hard scale on some of the limbs. What should I do?
Is it a greenish blue insect scale or a greenish blue substance that looks like scales? If it is an insect, try neem oil. I have found that useful on scale. This article will help with that: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/pests/neem-oil-uses.htm If it is a substance, then it is likely lichen, which can be unsightly but does not kill plants. This article has more info: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/fungus-lichen/treatment-tree-lichen.htm