Question
My Azalea japonica shrub's leaves have all turned brown. I have read this is a sign of underwatering. Have I lost it or is there anywayn I can nurse it back to health.
I live in the Glasgow area of Scotland. The shrub sits on my patio in a tub and has done for a couple of years. We have had much hotter weather this year than most and I haven't been giving my plants the extra water they should have received

Answer
Ann,
Under and over watering have the same effect on a plant. Underwatering causes the plant to die of thirst, while overwatering drowns the root system and deprives the plant of oxygen.
There is a possiblity that the azalea has just gone dormant and will recover with more water and cooler temperatures. I have seen this occur before, but it is a long shot. I would recommend that you replace it this fall, unless you wish to wait until the spring to see if it recovers.
Good luck.
Ed Gulliksen