Question
My azalea got too dry and withered but it isn't dead.  Can I save it by pruning the dry leaves and branches or is it a lost cause?  If it can be saved, how exactly do I prune it?

Answer
Hello Donna,
     Unfortunately Azaleas is one of those plants that require constantly moist soil (moist, not wet) and even a single episode of drought can be fatal to the plant.

You can try to save the plant by pruning off the dead leaves and then make absolutely sure that the plant receives proper care from now on.

When you prune the plant just remove the dead leaves if you can, leave any branches that are not completely dried up and dark brown or black. Try not to remove more than 1/3 of the plant's total leaves if you can. If more than 1/3 of the plant's leaves are affected then leave remove up to 1/3 of the leaves and leave the best looking, healthiest leaves. You can remove them gradually as the plant grows new leaves.

After pruning be very careful not to overwater the plant. As with most plants, after the loss of a significant amount of leaves the plant will require less water than it did before. However, remember that this plant likes to have it's soil kept constantly damp/moist (as I stated before, moist/damp but not wet). A lot of people will continue to water the plant the same as they did before. This very often will cause the plant to develop root rot and die.
You should make sure that the soil is constantly kept slightly damp until a significant amount of new leaves have grown in, then you can start watering the plant as usually recommended.

Here are a few tips on proper Azalea care;

Azaleas grow best in lots of bright, indirect light with very little or no direct sunlight.
As well as requiring soil that is constantly moist, Azaleas also grow best in soil that is slightly on the acidic side. The preferred soil pH level is between 4.5 - 6.0  You can find fertilizers that are for plants that require acidic soil (in fact I think they have a fertilizer that is especially for Azaleas) in most stores that sell garden supplies or have a plant or floral department.
Be careful to avoid over fertilizing. Some plants are sensitive to over fertilizing. Fertilizer should only be given to healthy plants that are actively growing. Never give fertilizer to a plant while it is dormant or to an unhealthy plant. Fertilizer will not ' cure' an unhealthy plant and will actually cause more harm. Only fertilize a plant when it needs it. A good sign a plant needs fertilizer is little or no new growth during the plant's active growing cycle. Any well balanced fertilizer is okay. I recommend using 1/3 of the amount called for in the directions on the package. Liquid fertilizers are best. Dilute 1 part liquid fertilizer to 2 parts distilled water.
Be sure to never fertilize a plant when the soil is dry. This could cause the plant to take up too much fertilizer at once.

I hope this helps. If you have any questions or need additional information please don't hesitate to ask.
     Thanks
       Tracy