Azalea Winter Leaf Drop: Normal Seasonal Behavior

Seeing older azalea leaves turn yellow and red in fall and winter can be alarming, but it's perfectly normal. Azaleas are semi-deciduous—they shed a portion of their spring-produced leaves each year, especially large-leaved Indica varieties.

What to Expect

• Yellowing leaves are the older, more delicate spring foliage.
• As long as the terminal leaves remain green, the plant is healthy.
• New growth will fill in next spring.

Fertilizer adjustments have little effect on this natural cycle. No treatment is needed.