Brown Leaves on Azalea

We have an azalea that needs help. It has very little foliage and many of the leaves it does produce are brown. How can we restore it to its former beauty? We live about 1 mile from the ocean in California, but we don’t know if that’s part of our plant’s troubles.

Brown leaves often indicate a problem with the growing conditions. Azaleas prefer partial shade, protection from strong winds, and moist well-drained slightly acid soil. Make sure your plant is growing in these conditions. Conserve moisture by mulching the soil surface with a 2 inch layer of organic material. This keeps soil moist, roots cool, and adds organic matter to the soil as it decomposes. If the soil is poorly drained or too porous, consider digging up the plant, amending the soil with organic matter and replanting. Last, make sure the plant is protected from strong drying winds. A decorative fence or slightly larger plant can provide needed shade and protection from the wind.

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