This was a beautiful established plant with masses of lilac flowers. I left it in the front of the house in full sun but later moved the pot to partial shade. Now in mid May all the flowers have died off. Have I killed my beautiful plant or would the flowers go at this time of year?
Blooms on an Azalea appear all at once and last about 2 weeks.
Your plant is likely just finished blooming.
Here is an article to refresh you on the care requirements.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/azalea-plants-in-pots.htm
I have two pink indoor azaleas, which in summer I put outdoors in their pots (North of Scotland). Indoors they spend all winter in my living room, circa 21 degrees, on a sunny ledge. They have been doing amazingly well, have been flowering abundantly for about four years now, surprisingly, almost non-stop! How is that possible? Nobody mentions this possibility. Alas, now I have overwatered badly the biggest, most beautiful one, and 2/3 of its leaves have been dropping. How can I still save my beloved plant? Thank you kindly for any advice. Beatrix Descamps.
To save an overwatered plant, it may be necessary to remove the plant with its soil from the pot and let the soil dry out overnight or so. If the roots are visibly rotten, you can prune some of them away. Also replace the soil if you see root rot:
http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/houseplants/root-rot-of-houseplants/
Also prune the aboveground parts by a similar amount to help the plant recover. Then place it back in the pot.
Then, while the plant is recovering, be very careful not to overwater it, and do not fertilize it until it is growing on its own again.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/overwatering-container-plants.htm
Can an azalea be in a hanging pot?
In theory yes, though the growing pattern would not work very well in a hanging basket.
I would recommend a patio pot for your Azalea and seek another type of plant for a hanging basket.
I had a beautiful azalea plant that now as blooms but it is covered with a sticky black stuff and it still is growing slowly, but looks sick. Some leaves are turning brown and dying.
This sounds like sooty mold.
These links will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/common-azalea-problems.htm
Can I leave an azalea in a container outside for the winter?
It does appear that they will survive in your area just fine! Make sure to water less often during this time. Here is an article for more information on the care of these plants: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/azaleas-noteworthy-shrubs-for-any-garden.htm
It's by a north facing window. Watered about once a week. It had aphids and spider mites recently but these were killed using Bug Clear Ultra spray. Over the last 6 weeks the leaves starting dropping with the lightest touch and no new ones are sprouting. Hoping it's just meant to lose it's leaves in winter! The buds in the pictures are all dry with nothing really inside. Thanks!
Here is an article that discusses which azaleas do well as indoor plants and how to care for them. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/growing-azalea-houseplants.htm They have specific needs which you must honor. Dropped leaves can be caused by too much water which will rot the roots. They should be in fast-draining soil that is kept moist. Adding coarse builder's sand or cactus mix to the regular potting mix helps drainage. Another possibility is that the Bug Clear product damaged the plant. Always double read instructions and apply to a test area at first. This is especially important when treating a plant that isn't specifically listed on the label. Wait 48 hours while you watch for adverse effects before applying to the entire plant. I hope your azalea bounces back with new leaves. Flowering this year sounds unlikely but you never know!
My daughter in law got me a topriary azalea plant can it be planted outside
Many Azaleas will do just fine here. If you do not know the exact variety, then I would be very careful in planting. Some types will not tolerate our winters. Did it come with a tag? It should tell you the type that it is