Q&A – What can I do to keep lichen from growing on my azaleas?
Question:
I have some 60-year-old azaleas that bloom well. They have a lot of lichen (white scaly bark) on them and the branches are dying. What can I do to keep the lichen from growing on my azaleas?
Answer:
Lichen does not harm the plant it is growing on, but it is often a sign there is a problem. As plants decline, they have a thinner canopy and the lichen takes advantage of the increased light conditions. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond says old azaleas need to be properly pruned and fertilized to maintain a healthy plant. There is something going on beyond the lichen, and the question did not give enough information to make a definitive conclusion.
Related Resources:
Azalea Care
Azalea and Rhododendron Care and Culture
I have some 60-year-old azaleas that bloom well. They have a lot of lichen (white scaly bark) on them and the branches are dying. What can I do to keep the lichen from growing on my azaleas?
Answer:
Lichen does not harm the plant it is growing on, but it is often a sign there is a problem. As plants decline, they have a thinner canopy and the lichen takes advantage of the increased light conditions. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond says old azaleas need to be properly pruned and fertilized to maintain a healthy plant. There is something going on beyond the lichen, and the question did not give enough information to make a definitive conclusion.
Related Resources:
Azalea Care
Azalea and Rhododendron Care and Culture