Why Have My Azaleas Quit Blooming?

Azaleas are a great shrub for any and all seasons. During winter the large leaves might stand out. During spring the flowers are showy. During summer and fall the leaves become a nice deep green. However, like with all shrubs, some common problems can cause azaleas to quit blooming.

Too Much Shade

An overdose of shade is a common reason for Azaleas that are not blooming. The flower buds need some sun in order to set. Typically Azaleas need a minimum of 4 hours of sun in order to gain the energy they need to fully bloom.

Pruning at the Wrong Time

When pruning azaleas, in order for them to bloom the coming year, they should be pruned after spring flowers and then should be finished by June. Azaleas will set buds for the next year in July through the remainder of the summer.

Overfertilizing

Azaleas do not typically require much fertilization. If the azalea is showing signs of needing fertilization, it is best to do it in fall when the soil is warm and the air is aerated better.

Drought

Azaleas that are stressed by drought can cause botryosphaeria, a disease. The signs of this disease are dead and/or dying foliage on a single side of a stem. If the drought lasts longer than a few weeks, water the azaleas.

Helpful Tips

Plant azaleas n deep soil. The soil also needs to be well drained to prevent water from pooling under the roots, causing death by drowning. Cut the azaleas back once they have flowered, in order to stimulate new growth for the coming year.

References

• More Bloom, More Often
• Azalea Questions and Answers
• Growing and Care Requirements

Resources

• Azalea Society of America

Photo Credit

Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Tony