Is there something wrong with my azalea? - Ask Extension
The azalea bush is about 10 years old. it had been crowded out by some ferns, so I moved it about a month ago after it flowered. Most of the leaves ...
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Is there something wrong with my azalea? #873974
Asked June 20, 2024, 4:20 PM EDT
The azalea bush is about 10 years old. it had been crowded out by some ferns, so I moved it about a month ago after it flowered. Most of the leaves are green and healthy, but about 20% of the leaves are brown with spots on the back. The 2nd picture is the back of the leaves. What should I do?
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
Azaleas can get a sucking insect pest called Azalea Lacebugs. They tend to be found under the leaves and the black spots are fecal dots. Lacebugs tend to be worse on stressed plants, when azaleas are grown in too much sun (they prefer part to mostly shade, and morning sun is better than baking, afternoon sun). Beneficial insects often keep this pest in check if there are lots of other plants in the landscape and pesticides are not regularly used.
Here is our page on Lacebugs:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/lace-bugs-trees-and-shrubs/
Hopefully their new location includes some shade. These are shallow rooted plants that don't need more than an inch or two of mulch, and be extremely attentive to watering for the next year, particularly when we are having such high heat with no rain like right now.
Here is our best watering information:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/watering-trees-and-shrubs/
Christine
Here is our page on Lacebugs:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/lace-bugs-trees-and-shrubs/
Hopefully their new location includes some shade. These are shallow rooted plants that don't need more than an inch or two of mulch, and be extremely attentive to watering for the next year, particularly when we are having such high heat with no rain like right now.
Here is our best watering information:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/watering-trees-and-shrubs/
Christine
