Sick azalea

[Kevin.graves35]

Hello,

I bought my wife an azalea last spring and planted it in a fairly sunny location. This spring the shrub looks sick. No flowers but a few green leaves/buds. The lower portion and middle of the shrub are dead or dying. Can I save this bush? The soil is very alkaline where it's planted.

 

[Tetters]

Alkaline soil is the problem, and in order to grow Azaleas or Rhododendrons, you need acid soil, or buy ericaceous compost and grow them in pots...

 

[Kevin.graves35]

Thanks for the response. What can I add to the soil to correct the pH?

 

[Tetters]

In my opinion it`s a complete waste of time trying to grow acid loving plants in chalky soil. There are so very many other plants to grow instead that will relish the area you are planting. If you MUST have acid lovers, put them in pots with ericaceous compost.

 

[Kevin.graves35]

Understandable. The bush has some sentimental value as it was the first new planting we did at our new home. Would it be safe to move it? The soil under our pine trees seems like a much better home.

 

[Plantdoctor]

Check the label what is the variety please?

 

[Kevin.graves35]