Sick Azalea

9 years ago

Hi! Newbie from eastern NC here. Hoping someone can help me out. I have tried researching azaleas and their potential problems but I am not sure if it is a disease, pest, the growing conditions or a combo of those.

The azalea never bushed out this spring. Of the few leaves it has, most are either yellow or have brown spots. It did produce some flowers, but they would quickly wilt and fall apart if touched.

The bush is surrounded by 3 white pines, a crepe myrtle, and a Japanese maple. There was also a Virginia Creeper (a whole nother issue) wrapped around it. I removed the vine but during the process discovered landscape fabric about 3" down under the soil with roots all intertwined. Should the azalea roots be growing horizontally or is it unable to go anywhere else because of the fabric and tree roots?

Is there anything I can do to save it??

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Comments (3)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
9 years ago
Azaleas do tend to have a very flat, surface-oriented root system, however yours is being stunted by the lack of soil and the competing tree roots. Once again, another confirmation that landscape fabric in the garden (supposedly to control weeds, which it doesn't do well anyway) is a very poor choice for garden maintenance and a hindrance to good plant growth!!

I'd suggest you relocate the azalea to an area where it can grow unencumbered by root competition from larger trees and shrubs and where it receives some direct sunlight. No landscape fabric and a well draining, rich acidic soil.
gnarlygnome
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks gal! I appreciate your response. I was afraid that was the issue, but glad to have an expert's opinion. I can't stop cursing the previous homeowner for laying all that landscape fabric!

I will check out the forum for advice on transplanting azaleas. Thanks again!
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(ryanga7a) Ryan M
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Azaleas can grow just fine next to trees so long as the trees are deeper rooted like oaks and pines. I have a ring of 8 foot tall azaleas that are planted one foot away from an oak tree and a sea of azaleas the size of a mid sized pickup that are planted all underneath pines.