Question
I live in Oklahoma & my sons purchased 5 beautiful Encore Azaleas for me last year on Mother's Day, they bloomed the full summer and were just beautiful.  This year however, they have bloomed only once in the spring and show no signs of budding etc.  I read that pecan shell mulch was the best for them, and covered it with cedar.  I water frequently and they look fine, pretty green, not losing leaves etc.  Last year I fertilized with Osmocote, what do you suggest please ?  I seem to be having the same situation with my rose bushes, normally in full bloom, only 2 or 3 right now.  Thanks so much!

Answer
Hi Anne,
Thanx for your question.  If you are pruning the plants be careful when you prune.  Do so, if you must, right after they bloom.  You might consider using an acidic type of fertilizer like Miracid or better yet just some honest-to-goodness plain old well-composted manure side dressed around the plants in the spring and then again in midsummer.  Be careful about too much nitrogen or all you'll get is green growth.  Too many lawn chemicals and fertilzers can cause green growth an no bloom.  Lawn fertilizers are typically high in nitrogen.  I hope this helps.
Tom