Brown Spots and Discolored Leaves on Azalea... (north, planting, compost)

[beowulf_ncsu]

I planted a Hino Crimson Azalea near the end of April of this year. It has been doing well until recently. I've noticed that some of the leaves near the top of the shrub have brown spots on them. I've also noticed that the leaves on the top are turning a lighter shade of green than the bottom part of the bush. Some of the leaves even appear to be getting a white color to them.

I have no idea what could be causing this as I've never planted an azalea before. I live in North Carolina, and my soil is almost entirely clay except for the first inch or so.

I watered it often when I first planted it, and I have made sure to water it good about once a week since then. Could that be the problem?

Any help and/or insights will be greatly appreciated!

Pictures:

[citydweller]

I would try lightening up on the water. My parents have heavy clay soil and experienced the same problem. Turns out some edging was holding the water in around the plants as they were in a foundation planting and after taking it out they are doing much better.

[beowulf_ncsu]

You may be onto something. I heavily watered it a few days ago, and then today I noticed this! I'll stop watering them. Doesn't clay soil supposedly hold water?

Thanks!

[no kudzu]

yes clay soil holds water and that is why we don't like clay. plants need good drainage not standing water. Did you amend the soil with compost or ground pine bark or anything at all? most people kill plants by too much water, not too little water. I'm in Chapel Hill and I have to be very careful with any watering I do even with these 100 degree days.

It is tempting to over water with this heat but once most plants Planted in the right kind of soil and the right light seem to make it thru the first full year they do ok.

[beowulf_ncsu]

I only amended the soil with some garden soil that I had bought. All the hot weather we've been having is why I heavily watered it a few days ago...I thought it might need it! Oops.

The good news is it doesn't appear to be getting any sicker, so I hope it makes it!