How to Grow Azalea

For garden-planted Azaleas, apply Yates Thrive for Roses & Flowers Natural Organic-Based Pelletised Plant Food. For potted Azalea apply Yates Thrive Natural for Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

Azaleas prefer acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.0. Check the soil pH and if it is too high (alkaline)  apply Yates Soil Acidifier Liquid Sulfur.

Prune immediately after flowering finishes - this is usually in late spring. Some varieties bloom over many for months so it’s important to be patient.

Azaleas are prone to the fungal disease Azalea Petal Blight that attacks Azalea flowers turning them into brown mush

To prevent Azalea Petal Blight only water in the morning, only water the soil/potting mix and avoid wetting the flowers.

Just before the flower buds open, start spraying Yates Mancozeb Plus Garden Fungicide and Miticide - this is particularly recommended prior to the onset of wet weather.

The most common cause for silvery or brown leaves is from Azalea Lace Bug attack. These are small pests found on the underside of leaves alongside black blobs of poo.

Spray with Yates Baythroid Advanced Insect Killer for Gardens.

To promote pest and disease resistance and resiliency keep plants well watered and feed with an organic-based fertiliser such as Yates Thrive Natural for Roses & Flower Organic Based Pelletised Plant Food.

If there is a strange fleshy growth on the leaves or the tips of your Azaleas stems, this could be caused by Azalea Leaf Gall. It's often found after wet, humid and cool weather. It does not need treating, simply prune off and place into the rubbish bin. Avoid overhead watering and only water in the morning when necessary.