The symptom of iron chlorosis is that the area between the veins is yellow or light green while the veins are darker green. In some cases there simply may not be enough iron in the soil. However, in most Alabama situations the trouble usually is the fact that the iron in the soil cannot be taken up by the plant. This situation is often caused by a too-high pH level. Other causes of chlorosis may be poorly aerated soil, a heavy application of fertilizer, or roots that are heavily infested with nematodes or infected with root-rot disease organisms.
Chelated iron is an effective way to temporarily correct iron deficiency symptoms.
Use it at the rate recommended on the container. Most people buy azaleas in the spring when the plants are blooming so they can choose the right color combinations. Autumn is probably a better time to plant, however, because the plants can then become better established before hot weather. Native azaleas gathered from the woods are more difficult to transplant than the introduced varieties. Dig them only in the winter when they are dormant and then cut the top of the plants back to about 6 inches above the ground.