Comprehensive Azalea and Crepe Myrtle Care Program

Azaleas and crepe myrtles (Lagerstroemia) have distinct but compatible cultural needs — a unified care program keeps both thriving.

Azalea Essentials

• Soil: Acidic (pH 4.5-5.5), extremely well-drained — plant high, even on mounds.
• Fertilizer: Slow-release azalea/camellia formula (e.g., 18-6-12 Osmocote) in early spring.
• Pruning: Immediately after flowering.
• Pests: Spider mites — spray horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
• Fungus: Daconil (chlorothalonil) for petal blight/leaf spot.

Crepe Myrtle Essentials

• Pruning: January-February (blooms on new wood). Can prune now if urgent.
• Soil: Well-drained, tolerates wider pH range than azaleas.
• Fertilizer: Same azalea fertilizer works — acid won't harm.
• Disease: Daconil for powdery mildew prevention in summer.
• Avoid: General 10-10-10 fertilizer; fertilizer spikes acceptable.

Trunk Fungus Management

Fuzzy growth on trunks:

• Azaleas: Spray Daconil or Funginex; try Immunox (fungicide + insecticide).
• Hard pruning after bloom rejuvenates old dwarf varieties (decline after 10-15 years).
• Indica azaleas live longer — 20+ years with care.

Key Principle

Drainage is #1 for azaleas. If they're planted too deep or in clay, no fertilizer or spray fixes the root cause.