Any idea what could be going on with my azaleas and knockout rose bush
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My azaleas are leggy. Not sure if I have a pest problem or if they aren't getting enough water or too much? We've had a lot of rain lately so I haven't been watering. I live in zone 9b. My azaleas and knockout were planted in March. Here are some pictures.
12 answers
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This is the first year and plants normally do not do a whole lot in the first year so I would not jump to any conclusions yet. The second year plants wake up and sometimes start a bit of growth and by the 3rd year will start growing. The knockouts need a year or so to take off and they need to decide if they like a spot. After the azaleas bloom next spring trim them up to shape a bit but otherwise they look okay from the pics. The knockouts seem to have new growth so that is a good sign. Just check for moles/voles around the roots and make sure the plant is solid in the ground. I had voles eat the roots clean off one of my knockouts but managed to save it. Happy gardening.
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on Sep 11, 2013
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I didn't take into account that they are still young. I will check for voles though. Thanks!
Ashley Sentilles
on Sep 11, 2013
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How deep is that mulch? You can get it too deep.
Sensible Gardening and Living
on Sep 11, 2013
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It is pretty thick. Not sure how many bags per cubic feet were used. Maybe an inch. When the landscapers first put the garden down, they said they'd pack a lot of mulch down to slow down weeds. Someone had told me that some varieties of azaleas can be leggy by nature. This is Red Ruffle. Not sure if this is true of this variety. I am also having problems with Japanese boxwoods. The lady at the nursery said it was a fungus. At first, I suspected the fungus had spread.
Ashley Sentilles
on Sep 11, 2013
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Everything looks like it is planted deep to me. Are those azaleas in full sun? That's pretty hard on them as far south as you are, and berming them up like that would I think make them more prone to drying out.
Douglas Hunt
on Sep 12, 2013
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Another tip - After they bloom next spring, prune the long shoots. This will cause them to branch out, creating a fuller plant. Azaleas are very hardy and should do well for you.
Joan Santa Cruz
on Sep 13, 2013
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Yes I have been using a fungicide on the boxwoods. It seems to be helping somewhat. The azaleas are in full sun. I would like to plant 2 crape myrtles, which would eventually create some shade
Ashley Sentilles
on Sep 13, 2013
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azaleas are shade shrubs they need shade in the afternoon at least and not to wait for another plant to grow to give them shade
April E
on Sep 13, 2013
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They also like the crown of the roots to set just a little high so you might pull the mulch away from the crown
Mikell Paulson
on Sep 13, 2013
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Cut them down and apply 10-10-10 next spring.
CynK
on Sep 15, 2013
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Azaleas prefer a neutral to acid soil .. do you know what your pH is? if its alkaline then they could be nutrient starved, so use a good feed for acid loving plants... Also Azaleas prefer to grow in dappled shade, are you growing in full sun? If so they will never thrive and you should consider moving them .. hope this helps
Julie Johnson
on Sep 16, 2013
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You might like to try pruning them occasionally. I prune mine regularly and apply seaweed solution and fertiliser regularly and they have become quite bushy and healthy with large blooms. I also try to get rid of any pest affected leaves before they affect the new shoots and give them a pest spray after that.
A1z1581958
on Jun 25, 2015
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