Wimpy azalea

Saint Louis, MO(Zone 6a)

What's wrong with my BIL's azalea? Leaves are washed out.
Blooms fine and otherwise appears healthy.
Compare the azalea leaves in the foreground with the box behind it.
Is it a mineral deficiency? Or is it just mildew?
Sited on a waterfront property fronting the brackish James River in Va.
Could it be salt injury?
What corrective measures can we take?
Thanks for your help.

Thumbnail by Weerobin
Saint Louis, MO(Zone 6a)

Here's a shot of the whole plant.

Thumbnail by Weerobin
Saint Louis, MO(Zone 6a)

Closeup of the leaves.
The whitish center isn't powdery, so I didn't think it was mildew.
But I don't really know.

Thumbnail by Weerobin
Scott County, KY(Zone 5b)

I'm no azalea-ophile, but isn't that Lacebug Legacy™?

Saint Louis, MO(Zone 6a)

I googled it and it sure looks like it.
Sadly, I forgot the important step of looking for the insect poop.
Looks like insecticidal soap, horticultural oil or neem oil applied in spring might work.
Thanks for stepping out of your comfort zone, VV. As always, I appreciate it.

Scott County, KY(Zone 5b)

And you're quite welcome.

Ain't no acid on me - I'm a circumneutralized gardener...but I see other folks trying azaleas around here and many appear just like that.

Dahlonega, GA

I had a lot of trouble with lacebugs and I have over a hundred azalias . I started using a systemic and problem solved . I posted this pic on another forum , but you might want to see it too .

Thumbnail by digger9083
Dahlonega, GA

I don't prune mine except for dead stuff . Just personal preference, but do fertilize in the spring and use the systemic in the ground at same time .

Saint Louis, MO(Zone 6a)

Beautiful azaleas, Digger. (Nice JM's also.)
Thanks for the suggestion.

Dahlonega, GA

Thanks , I was at a nursury 15 yrs. ago and they had tossed a bunch of plants in the trash . I asked, and rescued about 75 rooted sprouts . At home ,I got 70 to plant in permantly , two years later . Have just been adding to them .I'm into japanese maples now, and lurk over on that forum ,sneaking ideas . LOL digger

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