Rust in azalea!!! HELP

[laurap74]

I purchased a evergreen azalea. It has developed a serious leaf rust infestation. I got it over the summer and I am planning to transfer it to the spot I want to have it. Right now the plant is still on the burlap. I removed all the rusty leaves out and the plant is budding, so only the buds are present at this point.

Is there anything I could do to prevent the rust from coming back next year?

Also, is there anything I could apply to the plant to avoid this disease?

I will greatly appreciate help. Thanks

[pam smith]

Hi Laura My name is Pam,maybe this could help you.carry out a acidify test of the soil,for azaleas need a acid soil,yellow leaves on azaleas and other acid loving plants is a sign that the plants need nitrogen as well as increased acid.Mulch the plants heavily with peat or a special acid azalea compost and a application of nitrogen-fertilizer to make the soil more acid.apply acidifying materials, ask for it at your nursery. good luck pam smith

[Gunner]

I'm sure you have thought of these yet they bear repeating,

Probably a bit late now but you might try to return it and get your money back, buy a variety that may not be as susceptible to rust in your area as this one may take a while to return to good health. Rust is more prevalent on deciduous varieties and ones near hemlocks.

If you keep it, find a fungicide listed for your particular variety of plant and rust. (lots of different rusts for different plants). Start at the place where you purchased your plant. Barring that, find a good nursery/ or local experts and ask. Dispose of the burlap and the soil properly so as not spread the rust ( should have already done that with the leaves.) .

Perhaps next time get it into the ground a bit sooner.

some sleuthing info: