They are usually associated with container nursery stock in areas with dense shade. Remove ground litter and weeds from the area and reduce shade where possible. Treat late in the day and repeat once or twice weekly. For information on insect control, labeled pesticides, and recommended rates, please contact your local county Extension office. Ovulinia azalea is a common disease of azaleas, especially India azaleas.
Damage is limited to flowers and is most troublesome during wet, warm weather.
The flower then collapses into a tan-colored mass of soft, slimy tissue. Blighted flowers quickly dry and cling to the limbs. Begin fungicide applications as the buds show color and continue the applications as long as azaleas are in bloom. Spray from all directions for thorough coverage of blooms, inside and out. Leaf Gall Leaf gall, caused by the fungus Exobasidium vaccinii , is common on evergreen azaleas as well as some native azalea species.