I don’t know what time of year or how to trim my azalea bush. It is getting very big and I do not want it to get any bigger.
Generally, this is done at the beginning of July, as to not destroy next year's flowers. It will be very important to be sure that the shrub that is planted will not exceed the size of the area, as pruning only prolongs this, rather than prevents it from reaching full size. This article will guide you through the process:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/pruning-azaleas.htm
Is a fungus attacking my bushes, and if so, what can I do about it? Thanks !
There are a number of possibilities, fungal disease is one. Check the leaves for pests on top and underside of leaves as well. These articles should help pinpoint the problem.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/plant-dropping-leaves.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/leaf-browning-in-center.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/plant-leaf-spots.htm
I planted this azalea over 10 years ago. After a storm it received some damage and I had to cut it back. Now I have two types of leaves coming from the same plant....is this a sucker plant? Shoud I trim out the back? I'm not sure what to do with it.
It looks like aster yellows so you may want to remove the shrub. Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/aster-yellows-disease.htm
My Azalea plants are sticky--why?
Scale and other insects insert their piercing-sucking mouthparts into the plant and feed on the juices. The insects then excrete a sticky, sweet liquid called "honeydew" which can promote the growth of black sooty mold fungus on contaminated surfaces. Honeydew, sooty mold and leaf yellowing with dieback are signs associated with infestation by these insects. Beneficial insects often control this problem. Light pruning or dormant oil may be used to suppress over-wintering nymphs on twigs. Dormant oils and insecticidal soap may be used to control crawlers that emerge from eggs.
I have plant food 3:1:6 - Can I use this on an Azalea?
Yes, you can use a fertilizer with a 3:1:6 ratio, but later you might want to supplement nitrogen and phosphorus to be a more all-purpose type fertilizer. Azaleas typically prefer acidic soil, so you may want to choose a fertilizer specifically formulated for acid-loving plants or one labeled for use on azaleas and rhododendrons in the future.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/fertilizer-for-azaleas.htm
Last year was the first time it didn't have leaves otherwise it was beautiful
It could be winter injury or disease. This article should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/no-leaves-on-azalea.htm