Azalea Leaves Yellowing

Azaleas get yellow leaves for one or more of several reasons. Lack of fertilizer made for acid-loving shrubs (azalea, camellia, gardenia, holly) or a soil pH problem that prevents the shrubs from utilizing the fertilizer. If the veins of the leaves stay green, the pH issue is more likely and can be remedied with an iron spray. If you find little black things hanging off the bottoms of the leaves, azalea lace bugs have been at work and are sucking the life and green out of the leaves. Suggest you fertilize if you haven’t, have a soil test done (kits are available at your county agent or cooperative extension service and many local nurseries). If you find insect evidence, consider a systemic insecticide drench – if they are the problem, it is extensive and should be treated aggressively.