azalea bush - Ask Extension
Also planted in Nov 2021 - pics taken mid-April and early May. It seems to be "mostly dead". There are some healthy looking green leaves now...
Knowledgebase
azalea bush #789147
Asked May 03, 2022, 5:37 PM EDT
Also planted in Nov 2021 - pics taken mid-April and early May. It seems to be "mostly dead". There are some healthy looking green leaves now, but more are still brown leaves, it never blossomed. The ones next to it have some blossoms, not very full but better. Should this one be replaced-- same deal, I am obligated to keep it alive x 2 years per requirement of aaco permitting requirements or give up my bond money.
Anne Arundel County Maryland
Expert Response
These bushes were also planted as part of the aaco grading permit, Nov 2021, this is first spring. These do have some blossoms and green leaves - I'm concerned about the abundance of brown/"dead" looking parts. Is it a good bet they'll be better, more prolific next spring - or - are they not healthy bushes and I should replace them to meet required plantings?
While the plants don't look ideal, they are clearly not dead and likely could recover with some attention.
Why they and other plants you've installed are suffering is something to figure out. While November is an odd time to plant, with a site well matched to their needs (morning sun is ideal), good plant material, ground prep, planting and after-care, (particularly watering immediately and when needed thereafter) they all should have done better.
Do you have a warranty with the nursery?
Do you know how they were planted and if they were well watered in and checked for moisture and watered when needed right up until the ground froze for winter?
Here's how to water new shrubs, which should be monitored carefully for the first 18-24 months:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/watering-trees-and-shrubs
Pull out all the dead oak leaves from within the plants, pull any weeds around them. Is that mulch there? Make sure it is no more than 2-3 inches deep and keep it pulled away from the base of trunks (this is the same for trees too.) If the mulch is deeper then that, remove any excess as plant roots need oxygen and can be smothered by too much mulch.
Use a screwdriver and then your finger to feel several inches down into the soil. It should feel moist and cool. If not, water.
Any branches that snap when you bend their tips or show brown instead of green when scratched with your finger can be pruned out.
Christine
Why they and other plants you've installed are suffering is something to figure out. While November is an odd time to plant, with a site well matched to their needs (morning sun is ideal), good plant material, ground prep, planting and after-care, (particularly watering immediately and when needed thereafter) they all should have done better.
Do you have a warranty with the nursery?
Do you know how they were planted and if they were well watered in and checked for moisture and watered when needed right up until the ground froze for winter?
Here's how to water new shrubs, which should be monitored carefully for the first 18-24 months:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/watering-trees-and-shrubs
Pull out all the dead oak leaves from within the plants, pull any weeds around them. Is that mulch there? Make sure it is no more than 2-3 inches deep and keep it pulled away from the base of trunks (this is the same for trees too.) If the mulch is deeper then that, remove any excess as plant roots need oxygen and can be smothered by too much mulch.
Use a screwdriver and then your finger to feel several inches down into the soil. It should feel moist and cool. If not, water.
Any branches that snap when you bend their tips or show brown instead of green when scratched with your finger can be pruned out.
Christine
