Azalea question - Ask Extension
Good morning. I have an azalea problem causing dieback on upper limbs. I would like to replace these overgrown azaleas with new ones, but am unsure i...
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Azalea question #926286
Asked March 19, 2026, 10:23 AM EDT
Good morning. I have an azalea problem causing dieback on upper limbs. I would like to replace these overgrown azaleas with new ones, but am unsure if the problem will persist in the soil even if I remove the old plants. I plan to significantly improve drainage and amend the soil. Should I remove all old soil in addition to improving drainage and amending the soil? Thanks for any help.
Harford County Maryland
Expert Response
No, the existing soil does not need to be removed, in part because it's unlikely that it is holding a pest or pathogen that was responsible for branch dieback. (With azaleas, such stress and damage is often drought-related, or due to the other extreme of root moisture, insufficient drainage.) Gardeners often put azaleas in too much direct sun, so if you're replanting in the same location, make sure the plants are receiving some shade during the afternoon hours in summer, or they could be vulnerable to leaf scorch and/or pest outbreaks (lace bug, primarily) in addition to drought stress.
Miri
Miri
