Is this an azalea? What's wrong with it?

15 years ago

The previous owner never did a stitch of yard work. All the shrubs had never been touched and were overgrown w/brush/weeds when we moved in.

I uncovered this little guy while weeding. I've been here 2 years and never knew this existed (it was in a far corner part of the yard--a bit of a "wild" spot).

I dug it out from the brush and miraculously, it bloomed this spring, but barely. The blooms look like azalea flowers. Does anyone know what species this might be???

Also, the leaves are spotted-some tiny white spots and a few brown. Is this fungal, or lacebug?? I was thinking of spraying it with Neem oil, but I wans't sure if this damage was done many years ago and whether or not there was anything I could do to help it.

It's not the healthiest looking plant, but has some new growth. I want to help it along..any thoughts??

http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDofRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQQQJxnQexePlxv8uOc5xQQQlPleeJP0eeqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QPnn%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442

http://render1.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3Axxr%3D0-qpDofRt7Pf7mrPfrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQQQJxnQexePlxv8uOc5xQQQlPleeJP0eaqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gX0QoQ0%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442

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Comments (4)

dkgarber
Original Author
15 years ago
sorry...link didn't work. Try this

Here is a link that might be useful: mystery plant close up
rhodyman
15 years ago
It looks like a rhododendron but azaleas are rhododendrons. It is not possible to positively identify when it is not blooming.

Don't spray until you find out the problem and then just treat the problem. Some problems are caused by malnutrition and some are insect related. Spraying may actually create more problems since there are many beneficial insects. In general, rhododendrons don't need spraying except for special conditions. I haven't sprayed mine for at least 20 years.

Here is a link that might be useful: Common Problems and Their Solutions.
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jean001
15 years ago
Perhaps it has, or did have, lace bugs?

Here is a link that might be useful: the 2nd picture
rhodyman
15 years ago
If it is lace bugs the undersides of leaves are covered with dark brown to black, sticky spots of excrement. The fact that it could be lace bug is the main reason for not spraying. Lace bugs are normally controlled by beneficial insects. Sprays kill the beneficial insects that naturally control the lace bugs. The best long-term control for lace bug is to move the plant to a shadier area.

Also, the National Arboretum warns: "excess nutrients may promote larger than normal populations of azalea pests like lace bugs and azalea whiteflies."

Here is a link that might be useful: Common Problems and Their Solutions.