The azalea plant I have seems to have some kind of disease or is drying out. What to do?
Also why did they not bloom in the spring? Is the plant really azalea?
Greetings once again sheetal,
It looks like your azalea is suffering from winter damage; cold, dry wind will rob all the moisture from the broad leaf evergreen leaves.
I think you need to replace that azalea, it is severely damaged and the amount of time and energy it would take to get it up and thriving again may take several seasons…if it comes back at all??
I would replace it with a fresh new plant, and if you would like to try to revive it move it a less sunny location (where it is not a focal point) and give it a bit of attention. It looks tough but I can see there is a bit of life trying to grow through, cut it back 1/3 of the plants size and give a well-drained, acidic soil, more shade than sun space and give it time….time will tell!
Best of luck to you, I can see by your other question that your garden is wakening up and the winter was not that kind to your plants, it is nice that you are out monitoring your garden beds, the season is new and you have time to correct winters wrath. Stop by your local Home Depot and see all the fresh new shrubs arriving daily, we have something special to fill, replant and repair your garden!
Happy new beginnings, Maureen
P.S. Ingar, my online garden colleague, and azalea guru has just posted a fantastic article on so many varieties of azaleas and their care…it is wonderful and informative, check it out! I am sure you find a variety that will suit your garden!
Hi Azalia.
Kansas should be fine for your Azalea, as long as you have it planted in an area that gets morning sun for only 4-6 hours. Azaleas will do well in planting zones 6 thru 9.
You will need to select an area that is shaded from about 11 am. Monitor the area that you want to plant your azalea to see how much sun it gets. Your azalea will need to be in a well-drained soil, but it will need to stay damp. Use a bit of peat moss to make the soil slightly acidic.
If you do not have an area that has only 4-6 hours of morning sun and afternoon shade, you may want to consider planting an Encore Azalea. This type of Azalea will be able to tolerate afternoon sun as long as you are able to keep the plant watered.
Follow the instructions on the link provided and you should
have beautiful azaleas all summer long.
Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.
Rick_HD_OC