Azalea Fungus ?

[Uncleman]

Hello- Some of our Azalea plants seem to be turning brown on the leaf tops and all of them have what looks like some kind of rust on the leaf bottoms. The plants seem healthy otherwise. Can anyone help with a treatment or suggestion as to what is going on with these plants.

Thank you.

 

[Beth_B]

Where do you live, and how much water do your azelias get? That looks like a classic case of overwatering to me.

 

[Uncleman]

Thanks Beth - I live on the Massachusetts South Shore, about 30 miles directly south of Boston. This past summer was very, very dry here - drought conditions actually - but we did water every few days. We do have some hollyhocks in with the azaleas and they had rust on them this summer. Could that have spread around? I appreciate the help. We've had these plants for over 30 years and I'd hate to lose them.

Thank you.