Azalea Question?

We are new to gardening and planted three Encore Azaleas in October and now the plants look sparse and brown (there are some green leaves left but not many) is this a normal look for the azalea in the winter? Will they fill back out and green up in the spring or could they be dead? They are in partial shade and it hasn%26#039;t been too wet or too dry this winter. We live in southeastern VA. Any insight is appreciated.

Azalea Question?
I%26#039;d suspct winter damage. I don%26#039;t live too far from you (eastern North Carolina) and we have had our share of cold winter weather. What you describe sounds typical for Encore Azaleas. These azaleas have been heavily marketed by Lowe%26#039;s and some varieties are sold in areas where they don%26#039;t really grow that well. As with all azaleas, make sure they are not planted too deep. Azaleas love water, but not wet feet. I%26#039;d wait and see how they come out in the Spring before I did too much. After they bloom, cut them back and fertilize them with an Azalea fertilizer. Hollytone makes a good one as does Vigoro. I really am afraid you have an azalea that is not cold hardy. As for %26quot;regular%26quot; azaleas, I suggest Hersey or Hino Crimson for your area. Good luck.
Reply:They will look like that in the winter like a lot of perenials. Especially if you live in the East.
Reply:Link for azalea care


http://www.greengold.com.au/greengold/CA...


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Miracle Grow makes a fertilizer especially for acid loving plants.


http://www.miraclegro.com/index.cfm/even...


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I live just 18 miles from the biggest Azalea Festival in Missouri.


I don%26#039;t even have a Azalea plant


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You might need to check with a local nursery or garden center.
Reply:Sometimes my Azaleas looks like that but they come back out during spring. Also later this spring try giving them some Miracle Grow and see if that helps. Also depening on your location Azaleas are evergreen and evergreen pplants do drop their leaves ands grows new ones.
Reply:Don%26#039;t worry! That%26#039;s what they%26#039;re supposed to look like in the winter. Fertilize them now, prune off the dead stuff. In a few weeks they%26#039;ll be doing great! Pouring a little vinegar around the base of each one will go far to jump starting them!
Reply:Could be shock, could be dead. You can gently scratch a limb or branch with your fingernail. If it%26#039;s fleshy and green underneath then it%26#039;s still good to go. Best bet is to just wait and see what happens in the spring. If it starts to show life apply some Hollytone and some superphosphorous ( 0-45-0 ) to the soil around each plant and water generously. Be sure it%26#039;s well mulched. If dead then just replant. GOOD LUCK!



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