Why Are My Azalea Leaves Curling And Falling Off?

Question

We moved into this house 2 years ago with many well established azaleas. There are two (about 3.5′ with small white flowers that bloom only in the spring, unsure of the exact type) in a bed together on either side of a Camelia plant about the same size. The Camelia plant is doing great but a few months ago about 1/4 of the leaves of the two azaleas started to yellow (figured it may just be the season change). The almost all of the leaves started to curl under. It started from the top down. After reading some of your helpful blog posts I inspected them closer but didn’t see any evidence of insects or fungus. We have had a mostly normal weather year here in Raleigh, NC. My neighbor’s took down a ton of trees last year and they are getting more sun but still mostly filtered sun. The soil is a mix of sandy and dark brown (composted leaves). We do have some black ants but no evidence of colonies on the surface.

Before testing with adding fertilizers or trying to change the pH of the soil, I thought I would see if you all had any suggestions. I love these two azaleas in our main back yard bed so I would love to try and save them if possible.

Thanks so much for any suggestions or advice you may be able to provide!

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Answer 1

I think testing for pH imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies will be the first place to start. Too much light can cause some issues, but if the light is still filtered, then it probably is not the lighting.

These articles will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/azalea/azaleas-noteworthy-shrubs-for-any-garden.htm