Red Bird Azalea (Rhododendron "Red Bird") - UPDATE

 below is an exerpt from the Red Bird Azalea Photo/History page; click to see full history of this little tree.

It's amazing what an extra hour or two of sun every day can do for an ailing plant. And what a fine line the Azalea grower must take between making sure the plant gets just enough sun, but not too much & just enough water, but not too much & we haven't talked about fertilizer yet! 

Whatever kind of fungus or bug attacked the 'Red Bird' last month has apparently been defeated & this plant is continuing to throw buds, but no flowers..I don't expect him now to bloom before next year, but the new growth did prompt me to do some pruning on branches that had too many clusters. I think that part of the reason that he was susceptible to whatever attacked him last month was density, so even though he did not bloom this year & it's a little early for winter pruning, air circulation is nearly as important to some trees, as sun..yes, plants need to breathe..and not just the foliage, roots need air, too, but that's a subject for another day.

At any rate, I planted a tray of cuttings(see pic) & hopefully, some will survive..the nursery needs some new blood, as many of the seedlings are maturing & getting ready to be potted-on.

We have to start thinking about winter..the rest of the country is having Fall weather, while we're forecast to have 100 degrees over the weekend & on into next week. However, the mornings are getting cooler, which is a sure sign that winter is coming.