skip to main content

Azalea & Rhododendron

azalea die back due to grey powdery spots on branches

15 years ago

I have several mature azalea plants (~10 years old). Branches started dying from a year ago. Grey powdery spots appear along the branches first before leaves eventually wilted and the entire branch died. I suspected it's powdery mildew disease and I've tried spraying with fungiside, though not often enough I'm afraid. Anybody knows for sure what this is?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

jean001
15 years ago
It would help if you can post an image. Is that possible?
earl_gardener
Original Author
15 years ago
See if you can access this picture:

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ahoScMsqNUVSHn9GVQv5yw?feat=directlink

Thanks for replying.

Here is a link that might be useful: sick azalea picture
Related Professionals
Carson Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · East Rancho Dominguez Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Kenmore Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · La Marque Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Lowell Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Newcastle Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Azalea Park Landscape Contractors · Barrington Landscape Contractors · Edwardsville Landscape Contractors · Fuquay-Varina Landscape Contractors · Middletown Landscape Contractors · Milford Landscape Contractors · New Baltimore Landscape Contractors · Severna Park Landscape Contractors · Whitehall Landscape Contractors
jean001
15 years ago
Not absolutely certain, but it rather looks like lichen. If so, it's *not* killing your azalea.

If you have a large independent garden center, take a sample branch, secured in a clear container, to ask what's going on.
rhodyman
15 years ago
I agree, it looks like lichens which are harmless.

Branches on azaleas die from drought or borer damage.

Here is a link that might be useful: How to grow rhododendrons and azaleas.
buyorsell888
15 years ago
I agree, it is lichen. Harmless.

If you've been spraying for powdery mildew it is possible you've caused some damage unless you were using a fungicide labeled for azaleas and following the instructions to the letter.

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Dudleya, a Dramatic California Native

By Annie Thornton

Set up this succulent in native conditions and see just how little care it needs to thrive in the landscape

DECORATING GUIDES Top Design Trends From the Winter 2015 Las Vegas Market

By Becky Harris

Interior designer Shannon Ggem is tracking finishes, motifs and design combinations at the 2015 show

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Wild Birds Transform a Woman’s Garden and Life

By Mary Jo Bowling

How Sharon Sorenson created a wildlife haven and became the Bird Lady of Southern Indiana

LANDSCAPE DESIGN California Says Goodbye to the Sprawling Ornamental Lawn

By Annie Thornton

New state rules will effectively limit turfgrass to 25 percent of the landscape in most new and renovated yards

EARTH DAY Grow a Beautiful Garden With Ecofriendly Greywater

By Greywater Corps

Reducing home water waste means lower bills and a healthier planet. Here's how to set up a greywater home irrigation system that can help

SIDE YARD IDEAS Narrow Trees for Tight Garden Spaces

Boost interest in a side yard or another space-challenged area with the fragrance and color of these columnar trees

CONTAINER GARDENS 10 Ways to Take Containers Beyond the Patio

By Olander Garden Design

Enliven your landscape with pots and containers

WINTER GARDENING Pruning Secrets for Exquisite Roses

By Annie Thornton

Encourage gorgeous blooms year after year with this time-tested advice on how to prune your rosebush in winter for health and shape

DECORATING GUIDES Having a Design Moment: The Dining Room

By Becky Harris

Consider these 14 tweaks to bust your dining room's look out of a matchy-matchy furniture-set slump

LIFE Hard Winter? 9 Ways to Battle Cabin Fever

By Becky Harris

We know a lot of you are trapped where it just won’t stop snowing. Here are some ways to survive

Sponsored