Hi, I had 6 encore azalea plants planted in August. One is completely brown. Three have brown branches. Watering has been drip irrigation for 20 minutes every other day. They are in a shady area with some morning sun. Any ideas what could cause this? I will be suspending watering this weekend. Thank you, Sandra Shepherd
If you can include photos, then I can make a better diagnosis, but it sounds like a fungal infection. Unless it is hot, or very dry, it may not be necessary to water that often.
As a general rule, one should water when the soil is completely dry down to about 2 inches. Sometimes it is good to let it dry out just a little more than this as well.
I recommend treating the area with wettable sulfur, and just a small closed handful of dolomitic lime around the base of the shrub out to about 1 foot around the tree on each side. This will be a light, even broadcast.
These will help fight the infection, as well as recondition the soil back to a more suitable condition.
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
Trying to identify this pink spongy mass that's growing(?) at the base of my encore azalea. We've recently had a lot of rain, if that helps.
This would be Slime Mold. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/fungus-lichen/what-is-slime-mold-slime.htm
When is the best time to prune these Encore Azaleas ????
In order to get flowers the next year, you will have to catch these at a very particular time. This will be between when the first set of flowers fade and before the next cycle of flower buds form. Encores need very little pruning and you don't have to deadhead.
This article will give you more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/pruning-azaleas.htm
Azaleas and other spring-flowering shrubs are pruned immediately after they bloom. Next spring's flower buds are formed over summer so pruning in the fall cuts off the blooms. Encore azalea is known for needing minimal pruning but a light trimming is useful to shape it and encourage flower bud formation. Here is more information on pruning azalea: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/pruning-azaleas.htm
I live in southern Wis. and would plant this on south side of house
Some Encore's will grow in zone 5 but they need added protection. (See the Encore website). But your best bet for northern climes are the brand Northern Lights.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-5/zone-5-azalea-shrubs.htm
Encore Azaleas are rated for zone 6 and warmer but may thrive in zone 5 if provided with extra winter protection according to EncoreAzalea.com. Here is the webpage to their FAQ: https://www.encoreazalea.com/resources/faq. You will find what they mean by winter protection. One factor is protecting them from winter winds which should be a factor in where you plant them.
of new growth it looks fine Please refer to photos
The shrub may have had a fungal issue with the leaves. Be sure to clean up any fallen leaves to avoid reinfection next year. Spots can also be the result of too much sun.
These articles should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/common-azalea-problems.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/winter-protection-for-azaleas.htm