Azalea s.o.s.

Hi - I'd like to add a photo but can never seem to do so here on this site, but in any case just imagine an azalea whose flowers have turned a dull browny colour like weak tea. I planted it a week or so ago, it was rich in colour, almost fluorescent pink, and seemed fine. I was unable to water it for just a single morning and by that afternoon the flowers had wilted to the state described above. Since then we have ad quite consistent rain and I've watered each morning and evening, but hardly any improvement. I read that azaleas take in a lot of water via the leaves so watering directly on top as well as to the roots is advisable. But the plant still looks faded and discoloured, there are a few flowers around the back that are still colourful, but most have just gone dullish brown. The soil is quite acidy and stony, I've done a lot of work getting rid of most of the bulkier, rocky stones, and to be fair most of the other plants seem okay. I'm really worried. Any advice?

 

If it's raining and you're watering it twice a day, it's likely it's waterlogged. You don't need to water it if the soil is moist enough from the rain and certainly not twice a day at this time of year - more like every few days. Have a look here for advice. Give it a good soaking once every few days to keep the rootball moist, rather than watering a little every day.

The flowers will die off and turn brown fairly quickly once they've 'gone over'. It could be that they were 'going over' anyway, or it could be that the shock of being transplanted has done it, but for now I'd stop watering it or you could kill the rest of the plant.

Hope this helps.

 

Many thanks for this, I will follow your advice. Have tried again too upload photo but nothing happens. Feel I only ever use this site to ask things, never able to offer any answers to anyone else due to my very scant, faltering knowledge - but please know the site and all help and answers are greatly appreciated.

 

No worries Simon,we're all always learning...

Sorry I can't help you on the photo front but I'll give @fat controller a knock,he's a good man for the job Coooeeee are you in FC ?

 

Sounds like frost damage to me. My one had just gone into full bloom theother day but a sharp frost ruined it overnigth. 90% of flowers are brown and brush off the plant. This is the first time this has happened to me. Must have been -6c at least .