Azalea problems

hi we have a lot of azaleas growing and they have been fine until last season and now they have developed a sort of silvery sheen to the leaves , any ideas as to what could be wrong or how to treat it
thanks heaps in advance
lorraine

sounds like a mite of some sorts, anything underneath the leaves

any of these

http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/plant_info/pests_diseases/fact_sheets/pests__and__diseases_of_azaleas__and__rhododendrons

thanks thee could be two spotted mite but there isnt any webbing to be seen , but the description fits "silvering of leaves"
thanks will get some spray to fix em ,

Hi Lorraine, I have the same problem...it is Azalea lacebug. You can spray the plants but last time I tried mixing Rogor and using it as a drench, which I thought it seemed to be more effective.
I need to do mine again... would you believe I can't recollect the strength that I used last time .
Best of luck... if you come up with an easy cure, please let me know. Thanks.
I should add,,,the drench was a last resort... I try to avoid chemicals.

hi karingal I am the same but might have to resort to chemicals as have never had them before
now I have an idea of what the problem is I will look for another cure as well and let you know
lorraine

Won't stop them flowering. My mother has heaps of azaleas in her garden and some have the problem while others don't. The ones with the problem are in the sun. She tries to head them off in spring when they start to hatch - uses milk naturally LOL but you can use any horticultural oil or a soap spray even. Spray under the foliage though - where the blighters hide.

rogor is my fav. terminator