Topic: Something's wrong with my azalea

[Gardengirl]

Can anyone tell me what is wrong with my azalea.  It usually bears masses of bright pink flowers and this year, nothing :'(  It has a very peculiar fungus like growth on it.  Anyone recognise it and if so, how can I treat it, or is it a goner :-\ :(

[Marley Farley]

??? Can't help much except that what you are saying is fungus looks like lichen. You often see it on plants near coastal areas & things old. There are lots of different kinds, but as far as I know it doesn't hurt the plants.  Sorry I can't offer any more info  ::) Good luck  :)

[undercarriage plan]

Not certain, by any means, but it looks really simiar to a blight that has been attacking box plants in our area.  But ar eal shot in the dark.  I'd give it a blast with a fungus spray.  If it is blight though, I don't hold out much hope. Other alternative is to prune out problem? Or will that leave you with no plant.Sorry not more help.  Lottie  :'( :'(

[teresa]

Oh looks like lichen.
Mine is facing west sheltered by a tree from the north winds and a fence from the East they dont like the sun in the morning burns flower buds.
If its in the ground clear around the base and top dress with compost and water in sequestion before top dressing its like a iron tonic great for plants suffering. and see what happens this summer.

[Mimi]

Have to say that I agree with Teresa, it is lichen.  Doesnt do any harm to the tree at all.

[Gardengirl]

Thanks all.  I didn't realise there were different kinds of lichen.  I thought it was that yellow flat fungus type.  I have this on my ballerina apple tree.  This is different, it rubs off when you touch it and is a blue/grey colour.  I must admit I hadn't thought of watering with sequestrine, I will do this.  Glad to hear that it does not harm the plant, just doesn't look very nice :(

Pat

[teresa]

Hi Pat,
let us know how you get on, think your plants may be struggling for goodness. The apple if you feed it rose fert in Feb and again in June you should see a difference there did this with our old brambley worked wonders.

[Robert_Brenchley]

From what i can see, it could be lichen, or it could equally well be some nasty fungus disease. Someone knowledgeable really needs to look at this in the flesh, as the pic doesn't show enough detail to be sure.