Troubleshooting
Encore Azalea 'Autumn Twist' problems — and how to fix them
Encore Azalea 'Autumn Twist' (Rhododendron 'Conlee') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Yellowing leaves with green veins (iron chlorosis)
Caused by soil that is too alkaline, locking out iron. Acidify with elemental sulfur or an acidifying fertilizer and apply chelated iron to green the foliage back up.
Poor reblooming
Too much shade or missed summer feeding/watering suppresses the repeat flushes. Give 4-6 hours of sun, feed lightly after the spring bloom, and keep evenly moist through summer.
Root rot in wet soil
Phytophthora root rot kills plants set in heavy, poorly drained ground. Plant high in amended, fast-draining acidic soil and never let the crown sit in standing water.
Lace bugs and petal blight
Azalea lace bugs stipple leaves silvery-white in sun-stressed plants, and Ovulinia petal blight turns flowers to brown mush in wet weather. Manage lace bugs and clear spent blooms and debris.
Prevent encore azalea 'autumn twist' problems before they start
Most encore azalea 'autumn twist' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for encore azalea 'autumn twist' in general rather than its problems? Read the full encore azalea 'autumn twist' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Encore Azalea 'Autumn Twist' problems — FAQ
Why is my encore azalea 'autumn twist' yellowing leaves with green veins (iron chlorosis)?
Caused by soil that is too alkaline, locking out iron. Acidify with elemental sulfur or an acidifying fertilizer and apply chelated iron to green the foliage back up.
Why is my encore azalea 'autumn twist' poor reblooming?
Too much shade or missed summer feeding/watering suppresses the repeat flushes. Give 4-6 hours of sun, feed lightly after the spring bloom, and keep evenly moist through summer.
Why is my encore azalea 'autumn twist' root rot in wet soil?
Phytophthora root rot kills plants set in heavy, poorly drained ground. Plant high in amended, fast-draining acidic soil and never let the crown sit in standing water.
Why is my encore azalea 'autumn twist' lace bugs and petal blight?
Azalea lace bugs stipple leaves silvery-white in sun-stressed plants, and Ovulinia petal blight turns flowers to brown mush in wet weather. Manage lace bugs and clear spent blooms and debris.