Three Azaleas Dead After Winter: Winter Desiccation Diagnosed

Age Difference Rules Out Pests

A 15-year-old pink azalea and two 1-year-old red azaleas all browned and dropped leaves over winter. No watering during winter. Different ages dying together = environmental cause.

Winter Desiccation

Frozen soil + winter sun/wind = leaves lose water roots can't replace. Warm spell followed by deep freeze worsens it.

Recovery

• Fertilize with acid-forming fertilizer in spring.
• Water deeply as growth resumes.
• Mulch 3 inches with pine bark.
• Apply anti-desiccant next November.
• Erect burlap windbreak for future winters.

Most will resprout from the base.