I think it's an Azalea - What's wrong with it?

Hi,

I joined this forum a couple of years ago and as a new gardener asked for help identifying a bush in our garden. I was told it was likely to be an Azalea and I have been caring for it in the appropriate manner for this type of bush.

The first picture shows the plant 2 years ago when it was nice and healthy and had just been planted - in full bloom.

The second picture shows the plant now - 2 years on and it has not flowered again and to be honest doesn't look very healthy.

Does anyone have any suggestions that may help?
Has the plant been mis-identified?
Am I over or underwatering?
Should I not be feeding it Azalea/Rhodadendron food?

Thanks for your help!

Picture One (Before)


Picture Two (After)


[ 23. April 2007, 07:36 PM: Message edited by: Dave from Newcastle ]

 

Hi, Dave!
Well, it certainly doesn't look very healthy now, that's for sure. :(

It's a bit hard to see the leaves in detail, but it does look like an azalea. A closer up pic would help to be sure.

Assuming it is an azalea, though, they don't just need the food, they need ericaceous compost too, and that needs to be kept up, partly by giving it ericaceous food, but also by refreshing the soil every so often. I have also found that rain water if you live in a part of the country where the soil isn't acid doesn't improve matters.

My guess is that's what's wrong - it simply doesn't thrive without a great deal of pampering, if you don't have acid conditions.

A nice clear close-up would help confirm what it is, though!

 

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. I live by the seaside and I wonder if the Azalea suffers from the general conditions. I probably feed and give the Azalea ericaceous compost approx twice per year.

Here is a closer picture of the leaves (taken last year).



Thanks again for any help.