Azalea Care

My azaleas always turn yellow or purple in winter. What's wrong?

Nothing is wrong. Like all evergreen plants, azaleas periodically lose some of their foliage, and the leaves may turn yellow, red, or purple before they fall. Often the only leaves that remain are those that surround the flower buds at the tips of the branches. This characteristic is linked to the genetics of the parents used to breed garden azaleas. The degree of leaf coloration or loss is a function of parentage and not the severity of the winter. In unusually cold winters, certain azaleas may lose more leaves than they would in mild winters.

Plants that continue to grow late into fall such as azaleas, boxwood and holly are susceptible to early freeze damage. When temperatures drop dramatically and the air’s moisture content is low, plants lose their moisture. Withholding water will not aid the plant in acclimating itself to winter, rather it may reduce the plants winter hardiness.

Afternoon sun exposure may also compound the problem ... further drying the plants. Damage from wind, sunscald and/or lack of moisture or “desiccation” injury becomes evident in the spring time. Don’t forget to water and remember soil should be moist but not waterlogged. This winter don't forget to protect: pipes, pets and plants!

Houston Landscaping, Landscaping and Design services in Cypress and North Houston, Texas www.bdhLandscaping.com

Houston Landscaping, Landscaping and Design services in Cypress and North Houston, Texas www.bdhLandscaping.com:

"SEPTEMBER Schedule"

*Make pre-emergent applications to control cool season weeds
*Fertilize lawn and bedding plants
*Sod in your lawn before winter arrives
*You may be able to cut back on watering
*Begin scalping in late September for winter rye if rain is adequate
*You may wish to enhance your landscape add security with outdoor lighting as the days grow shorter"

After pruning your Crepe Myrtles, be sure to fertilize them with Crepe Myrtle food....I like the granular version.

Put a good layer of mulch on your beds this Spring...it will help keep moisture in and weeds out. Also, when it decomposes over time, it provides good organic material for your plants.

Happy Gardening!

Brad

bdhLandscaping.com Spring Ideas

Now is the time to put down weed & feed for your grass. Also time to prune your Crape Myrtles. Happy Gardening.






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