Encore Azaleas

[lilcee]

We planted some encore azaleas a few weeks ago. Two of them are doing great but the white one has yellow leaves on it. Is this normal? We live in North FL. We haven't had any rain in quite awhile so we check them everyday and water them if they are dry - about two or three times a week if they are dry.

[applestar]

I’m not very knowledgeable about azaleas. The ornamental ones I had died BUT the native azaleas in my neglected Native Plants Shade Garden are ones of the last plants still standing after some serious drought and loss of shade due to overhead plum tree losing a major limb due to turbulent weather.

Now, basics about azaleas I do know are
- They like loamy organic soil on acid side
- They like constantly moist but well drained soil (plenty of acidic mulch would help)
- They prefer morning sun with afternoon shade


Another factor that holds true for most newly planted shrubs and trees is you need to water deeply and regularly — don’t wait until dry.

… Could any of the above have played a part in issues your azalea might be having?

[lilcee]

Thank you for your response. We have pine needles around them and we water when needed. It's been really dry here. Maybe needs more water? We water from the bottom and a slow water for about three hrs. 2 or 3 times a week.