Azalea Summer Care

Because lace bugs hide under the leaves, they're hard to hit with conventional insecticides applied with a sprayer. But I have a strategy that works pretty well. As soon as I finish pruning, I spray my azaleas according to label directions with a systemic insecticide called Cygon. I don't have to hit the bugs directly. The foliage absorbs the chemical, which then goes into the lace bugs. About three weeks later, I sprinkle granules of Bayer Advanced Garden 2-in-1 Systemic Azalea, Camellia & Rhododendron Care around the base of the plants and water it in. In addition to fertilizer, this product contains the insecticide disulfoton, which provides a good six weeks of control. If any lace bugs show up after that, I spray with Cygon again.

Now my azaleas bloom well, look nice, and don't block the windows. If only they'd plant themselves!

"Azalea Summer Care " is from the June 2003 issue of Southern Living.