Why are the leaves of my Encore and Gumpo azaleas turning yellow when the larger azalea varieties are not yellow?

Jean L
by Jean L
  6 answers
  • 360 Sod (Donna Dixson) 360 Sod (Donna Dixson) on Dec 10, 2011
    Jean is it possible for you to post a picture of the shrubs?
  • Walter Reeves Walter Reeves on Dec 10, 2011
    In my observation, azaleas vary all over the map on their ability to stay green all winter. Many are "semi-deciduous" and drop many yellow interior leaves in December. If yours look like the ones posted, you have nothing to worry about. The green leaves at the tip give me confidence.
  • Jean L Jean L on Dec 10, 2011
    Thanks for your help!
  • Mike and Anne Mike and Anne on Dec 10, 2011
    One of the explanations Anne has heard is that because there are later season blooms on the Encore's and Gumpos the leaves are lost later in the season so we don't see the yellow leaves until late season. If there are signs of leaf buds and green leaves near the recent blooms they are "normal."
  • Jean, I may be considered a heretic for this, but I only like most azaleas for about 3 weeks out of the year. I prefer the Indica family because I think they are a somewhat handsome plant year round. The yellowing of leaves is normal and expected in all the varieties-white blooming (based on purely observation/not science) tend to drop more leaves.
  • Erica Glasener Erica Glasener on Dec 11, 2011
    Although they are deciduous many of the native azaleas are worth considering for your garden and some are fragrant too., there are types that bloom early spring and some as late as August like Rhododendron prunifolium- famous for its show at Callaway Gardens