severely wind burn azalea and camelia plants - Ask Extension
The combined strong east winds and cold temperatures from recent January storms left our camelia, azalea and escallonia (i believe) with severe leaf b...
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severely wind burn azalea and camelia plants #858117
Asked January 30, 2024, 12:28 PM EST
The combined strong east winds and cold temperatures from recent January storms left our camelia, azalea and escallonia (i believe) with severe leaf burn. We covered the camelias but did not the others. I've attached photos showing the damage. I'm interested recommendations you can provide to help us treat these plants and help them recover from this damage. Thank you for your assistance!
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your question, Greg. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do at this point, since the way to avoid the problem is to protect the plant from the hazard. https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/azalea-rhododendron-spp-leaf-burn
I suggest that you wait until each plant has bloomed, and then prune off the damaged leaves. This guide has advice for such remedial pruning: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/documents/12281/pruningtreesshrubs.pdf
I hope this helps. Good luck!
I suggest that you wait until each plant has bloomed, and then prune off the damaged leaves. This guide has advice for such remedial pruning: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/documents/12281/pruningtreesshrubs.pdf
I hope this helps. Good luck!
Thank you for your response.
My wife reminded me that I should also have asked about the type, timing and frequency of application for fertilizers to use on azaleas and camellias. Also, do you suggest testing soil Ph to determine the proper fertilizer to apply?
A couple comments. I was raised in the Puyallup valley where my father and brothers farmed row crops. Extension agents from WSU were present in our area. My oldest brother attended OSU studying botany. I strongly believe that the OSU Extension Service to be a real gem, and a very valuable public service.
Thanks again!
Greg
Her's an article on azalea fertilizing: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/give-rhododendrons-azaleas-annual-check-each-spring
Here is one on camellias: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/spruce-older-camellias-late-spring-trim
It is always helpful to test for soil pH, especially for acid-loving plants. This guide has a list of testing labs: https://www.oregon.gov/ODA/programs/Pesticides/Documents/2020/AnalyticalLabsServingOregon.pdf
You can also bring soil to the Milwaukie Center on March 9 for free testing: https://clackamascountymastergardeners.org/garden-discovery-day/
Good luck!
Here is one on camellias: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/spruce-older-camellias-late-spring-trim
It is always helpful to test for soil pH, especially for acid-loving plants. This guide has a list of testing labs: https://www.oregon.gov/ODA/programs/Pesticides/Documents/2020/AnalyticalLabsServingOregon.pdf
You can also bring soil to the Milwaukie Center on March 9 for free testing: https://clackamascountymastergardeners.org/garden-discovery-day/
Good luck!
BTW, I appreciate your comments about the Extension Service, and will pass it along. I grew up in Lafayette, IN, and graduated from Purdue. I had a student internship in the Agronomy Department, and didn't know anything about the Extension Service (which began in 1911 or so). I knew only about 4-H until I moved to Oregon and, after a long career unrelated to horticulture, found this fascinating learning and volunteer opportunity. Hope to see you on the 9th!
