Whats causing the brown leaves and dead flowers on azalea?

GWUser91974

Hi there, my friend has a standard azalea planted in each of 2 long planters amidst some bedding plants. Think they have only been in a couple of weeks. On one, the leaves have started to turn brown and the flowers dying off. I thought it may be fungal or over-watering, but he says he has watered both same amount. Asked him if planted in ericacious or just multipurpose compost, he doesn't know as a friend gave him some leftover (I think this means it may just be multipurpose). I advised to remove the worst of the leaves and any on the soil for now. Have attached couple of photos. Would be very grateful if anyone can help with a solution to rescue this beautiful plant. Many thanks Cath (sorry, first time on one of these forums so sorry if I've not done it right!)

pansyface

Frost.

Two out of my three rhodazaleas were completely zapped by frost. Not one flower opened this year. 

There’s always next year. The gardener’s lament.

GWUser91974

Hi Pansyface, thanks for your quick response. I will let him know. What a shame as they were absolutley covered in flowers till this weekend. Heyho, the fun of gardening!.

Fairygirl

2 long planters amidst bedding plants. Not ideal for an azalea @GWUser91974
Compost alone is no use either.
Most bedding requires totally different conditions from azaleas and rhodies too - while they prefer some shade, especially in the morning 
Whilst it will probably have been frost damage, they aren't going to thrive well as they are, so it would be best if your friend finds a suitable place in the garden for them, or in large containers of their own, with a soil based compost 

Bijdezee

Totally agree with fairygirl. Mine both went through the winter and still flowered etc. I think its the soil/compost, lack of shade etc. Also, they should only be watered with rain water. 

GWUser91974

Thanks Fairygirl & Bijdezee. Thought as much about the soil myself. He doesn't have a garden as such which is why he planted in planters. Will deffo suggest he moves them to their own pots and hopes this rescues them to get through to next year. Your knowledge is excellent and well received. Many thanks.

Butterfly66

If he can report them best to use a John Innes No.3 recipe compost as that’s better for long term plants in containers