Hi! I planted five small azalea bushes on the side of my house back over Memorial Day. I water them @ everyday and fertilize them. In the last week, the leaves seem to be turning a yellow-burn. Is this normal? Do they lose their leaves in the fall? The side they are planted on gets a lot of sun. Are these good plants for a sunny location? Does anyone have any ideas on what to do if this is not normal.

Thank you,

Irish

 

Stop watering them! once a week is fine! They get root root very easy. Did you plant the root ball one to two inches above the ground?

 

Hi! Yes, I planted the root bulb 1-2 inches above the ground. Do you think it's o.k. for them to get a lot of sun? Also, do they lose their leaves in the Fall? Thanks!

Irish.

 

Some variates do loose their leaves some don't. Full sun is fine. Think your problem is do much water. Might be to late to save them.

 

Thank you for the quick replies! Hopefully they will be o.k. - time will tell. I am not going to water them unless the soil seems dry.

Thanks again,

Irish

 

Where are you located? Generally, Azaleas need afternoon shade...they're more of an understory plant. If the leaves are turning brown around the edges then they are probably getting too much sun. If there are just a few leaves here and there that are turning yellow then I wouldn't worry, it's normal for Azaleas to drop some leaves during the year. Just back off on the watering a bit like airman suggested....once a week might not be enough if these are small plants, but it depends a lot on the temperature where you're at. There are some deciduous Azalea varieties, but they are not very commonly planted in gardens. You probably have evergreen ones. You might be over-fertilizing as well. How often do you fertilize and what with? If you use a granular organic "azalea-camellia-rhododendron" fertilizer once every 3-4 months that would be PLENTY.

-Jim

 

water only once per week. i never fertilize newly planted shrubs or trees sooner than one year after planting. try to plant in the fall when the plants are not trying to grow or may be heat stressed.

 

Hi! Thanks to all who replied! I live in the Eastern part of Pennsylvania. I have been using a fertilizer that is specifically for azaleas. The plants are smaller right now (hope they will get bigger). They do get a lot of sun in the afternoon. I have held off on watering them (I test the soil to see if it is moist or not) and have not fertilized them, either.

I will see what happens now and in the Spring - may have to dig up and replant with something else. Any suggestions?

Thanks again,

Irish