How to Grow Gumpo Azalea - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Gumpo azalea is a plant that is native to China and Korea. It is a member of the genus Rhododendron and is in the family Ericaceae. The plant is a deciduous shrub that can grow to be about 3 meters tall. The leaves of the plant are ovate to elliptical in shape and are about 5-10 centimeters long. The flowers of the plant are white or pink and have 5 petals. The plant blooms in the spring.

How to Grow Gumpo Azalea - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Mountain Azalea
  • Lambsquarters
  • Woodsorrel
  • Curly dock
  • Sheep sorrel

Things to Know

  • Gumpo azaleas are native to Korea and Japan.
  • They are part of the Rhododendron genus, and are closely related to other azaleas.
  • Gumpo azaleas are evergreen shrubs, meaning they retain their leaves throughout the year.
  • They are known for their large, showy flowers, which can be white, pink, or red.
  • Gumpo azaleas typically bloom in late spring or early summer.
  • These azaleas are relatively low-maintenance and can thrived in a variety of soil types and lighting conditions.
  • Gumpo azaleas are generally resistant to pests and diseases.
  • They can be propagated by rooting stem cuttings.
  • Gumpo azaleas can reach up to 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide at maturity.
  • These azaleas make an excellent addition to any landscape, and can be used in foundation plantings, borders, or as specimen plants.

Planting Process

  1. For gumpo azalea, first step is choose a planting site that has full to partial sun and well-drained soil.
  2. Next, clear the planting site of all weeds and grasses.
  3. Once the site is clear, dig a hole twice the width and depth of the azalea’s container.
  4. Place the azalea in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
  5. Backfill the hole with the excavated soil, tamping it down as you go.
  6. Water the azalea deeply immediately after planting.
  7. Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant, being careful not to pile the mulch up against the stem.
  8. Water the azalea regularly during the first growing season to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
  9. Fertilize the azalea in early spring with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-
  10. Prune the azalea as needed to shape it and remove any damaged or diseased branches.

Related plant:
Gumpo White Azalea

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the best way to test it is by using Gumpo azalea. Gumpo azalea is a popular ornamental plant that is known for its showy flowers. The flowers are usually white, but pink and red varieties are also available. Gumpo azalea is native to China and Korea, but it is widely cultivated in other parts of the world. It prefers acidic soils and does not tolerate alkaline soils well.

Light requirement

Not too different with other azaleas, the gumpo azalea prefers full sun to partial shade. It is heat tolerant and does best in morning sun and afternoon shade. It will also do well in all-day shade, but the flowers will be fewer and the foliage not as dense.

The Temperature

The temperature condition for the gumpo azalea is that it should be kept in a cool area. This means that the temperature of the room or area where the plant is kept should be around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% or lower. If the humidity is too high, the plant will develop fungal diseases. The leaves will also start to drop off. If the humidity is too low, the plant will become dry and the leaves will start to turn brown.

Fertilizer Requirement

For the fertilizer, usually the plant food is applied in early spring. The amount of fertilizer varies according to the brand. As for the roots, this plant can be transplanted in early spring or fall. The best time for transplanting is early spring before new growth begins.

Plant Pruning

Pruning gumpo azaleas is best done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. You can prune these plants quite heavily if needed, as they will respond well and produce new growth quickly. Be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears to make clean cuts.

The Propagation

Propagation of gumpo azalea is best done by rooting stem cuttings taken from the parent plant. The best time to take cuttings is in late summer when the new growth has hardened off. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and have at least 2 leaves. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix and keep moist. Cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 1-2 feet per year, with some varieties growing a little slower or faster. They can be trimmed to encourage more compact growth if desired, but generally, they don't require a lot of upkeep. When planting, make sure to give them plenty of room to grow, as they can reach up to 6 feet tall and wide. Once they're established, they're relatively drought-tolerant and don't need a lot of water to thrive. These tough plants are a great choice for adding a splash of color to your yard with minimal effort.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies. pests such as mites, aphids, and scale can infest the plant and cause damage. Diseases such as powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot can also affect the plant. Nutrient deficiencies can cause the leaves to turn yellow and the plant to become stunted.

Growing Tips

  • Make sure to plant your gumpo azalea in an area that receives full sun to partial shade.
  • This plant prefers acidic, well-drained soils.
  • Be sure to water your gumpo azalea regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
  • Feed your plant with an azalea fertilizer in early spring.
  • To encourage more blooms, prune your gumpo azalea after it flowers.
  • This plant is susceptible to scale and nematodes, so be sure to check for these pests periodically.
  • Gumpo azalea is also susceptible to powdery mildew, so be sure to provide good air circulation around your plant.
  • This plant can be propagated by rooting stem cuttings.
  • You can also grow gumpo azalea from seed, but it can be difficult to get the seeds to germin

Similar Plants

  • Eubotrys gumpo
  • Photinia gumpo
  • Ophiopogon gumpo
  • Kalmiopsis gumpo
  • Hydrangea gumpo
  • Hamamelis gumpo
  • Fothergilla gumpo
  • Fothergilla gumo
  • Fothergilla gumoides
  • Daphniphyllum gumpo

Source:
FPS508/FP508: Rhododendron x 'Fashion' 'Fashion' Azalea
Azaleas for the Landscape - Mississippi State University
Growing Azaleas and Rhododendrons | MU Extension

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category