Azalea

Why is my azalea flowering? It was as good as dead last year with a bit of care it looks better now.

 

Changing seasons right enough Harry .

Great photo.

 

It looks like Rhododendron simsii, aka an Indian azalea. They can be a bit tender in our climate so are usually sold as indoor plants here in the UK (at least whenever I've seen them).

Having said that I have a couple which I've planted outside and they managed to come through the freezing winter before last when it went down to -19C

Probably the mild wet weather which is confusing them - happened to one of my dwarf rhodos last year (although not quite this late).

 

When we first bought the house last year it was as good as dead, I've been looking after it and its looking better now, has also grown rapidly.

 

What did you do to make it more healthy Harry? Sometimes Azalea lose leaf and the wood looks dead. One of mine has recovered and looks fine now.

 

I got more acidic soil, pruned it heavily, it had wood sticking out that looked dead i cut off parts that didnt look in good shape and fed some food.

Pretty simple

 

fed some food.

Whatever you fed it -it was just what it loved. So, what was your secret potion pray?
Jenny

 

Chicken wings lol.

on a serious note i can't remember the name of the product, I will go home an check for you.

 

Ah! I did similar but lifted mine into a big pot of ericaceous compost and feed lightly with miracle grow for acid loving plants. Leaves came back on what looked like dead branches. My plant though is a different type to yours though.