I have recently discovered something very strange eating and growing on my azaleas bushes. They are hard to the touch like crystallized sugar, but once the branch is picked it will become soft and sponge like over several hours. Does anyone know what this is? And what do I treat it with? Please see attached photos. Thanks, Rebecca
From the photos, it appears to be Azalea Leaf Gall:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/azalea-leaf-gall.htm
Hi, I am relatively new to gardening. I planted two azaleas about 6 weeks ago. One is thriving, but the other (planted only about four feet away) is struggling. Leaves along the top are turning orange/brown and a dying. Not sure if this is a disease or watering issue. (They have been watered the same amount, but maybe the sick bush’s root didn’t take for some reason?) Would love some advice on what is causing this and how to beat remedy it. Thank you!! Best, Catie
is likely that the soil is not acidic enough. I am starting to see some signs of the same thing on the other shrub. I would apply a fertilizer specific for these plants, as they will contain the acidity needed for them to thrive. This article will give you more information on the care of these: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/azaleas-noteworthy-shrubs-for-any-garden.htm
They bloomed in the spring
A good general rule would be to cut them after the flowers have faded. As long as you catch it before the next growth flush, then it will be ok to trim them up. This time of year is when you will normally see new growth, so if this is the case, then I would not touch them. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/pruning-azaleas.htm
Can anyone say how I can get rid of this please!
You will have to use fungicides to cure this. Cut off any infected growth and keep any infected growth raked up away from the plant to prevent further spreading.
This article will help you with fungicide use: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
Many times, this is caused by the soil remaining too wet for too long. If you provide supplemental watering, you will want to do so only after the first 2 or 3 inches of soil is completely dry to avoid future infections.
Leaves turn yellow and die and seems to be spreading to other plant.
It does seem to have a blight. From my research it appears that blights and crop destruction is quite common in Texas.
Treatment will be simple. Apply WETTABLE SULFUR and DOLOMITIC LIME according to the package instructions. This will kill off the infection, as well as recondition the soil back to how it should be.
You will also want to treat the top with a fungicide. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
This article will help you to care for the plants: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/azaleas-noteworthy-shrubs-for-any-garden.htm
which color of the leaves tell me if they are sun or shade?
All azaleas will benefit from light shade, although in Northern climate, they can survive somewhat happily in full sun. Regardless, they will all grow best with at least some light shade. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/azaleas-noteworthy-shrubs-for-any-garden.htm
How do I treat my azalea bush which has been decimated by lace bug?
No, Immunox is a fungicide. Lace bug control will require an insecticide.
For one azalea plant, a ready to use bottle of pyrethroid contact insecticide may be adequate.