Question From: NEW YORK
Q: I live in upstate NY and I have just uncovered my azaleas from the winter. They are Encores. The plants all appear to be brown and dry but I do see some buds starting. Do I leave the brown/dry leaves and stalks or do I cut them down to the base? This is my first experience with these plants. They were put in last spring. HELP!!!!
A:
Give the shrubs a chance to bud out and then cut away the dead branches. I believe these shrubs to be marginally hardy in your area and while they may survive cold winter the winter kill may be extensive and disfiguring. Be sure to mulch them with a good organic material. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.
