Azalea hybrid 'Gumpo White'

– Attracts bees and butterflies during bloom

– Not a major attractant for birds or mammals

– Generally deer-resistant, though not entirely deer-proof

– Spring: Foliage greens up; main bloom season (late spring)

– Summer: Maintains attractive evergreen foliage

– Fall: Foliage remains; may take on subtle bronze hues

– Winter: Evergreen structure adds year-round garden presence

– Front of borders – foundation plantings – low hedges – Japanese or woodland gardens – containers – mass planting under trees – courtyards and shaded patios

– Small, glossy evergreen leaves, deep green in color

– Dense, compact foliage gives the plant a tidy, refined look year-round

– Leaves may bronze slightly in cold winters

– Large, snow-white blooms with delicate ruffled edges

– Blooms are semi-double to single

– Flowers often measure 2–3 inches wide – showy for a dwarf azalea

– Appears in late spring to early summer, often later than most azaleas

– Site selection: Choose a location with partial shade and protection from intense afternoon sun and drying winds

– Soil requirements: Must be acidic (pH 4.5–6.0), moist, and well-draining; enrich poor soils with compost, pine bark, or peat moss

– Spacing: Plant 2–3 feet apart to accommodate low, spreading growth

– Planting depth: Keep crown at or slightly above soil level to avoid rot

– Mulching: Use 2–3 inches of mulch to conserve moisture and regulate temperature

– Best planting time: Spring or early fall

– When: Right after flowering (late spring to early summer)

– How: Lightly prune to shape and remove spent flowers or deadwood

– Avoid hard pruning or late-season cuts, as this removes next year’s buds

– Requires consistent moisture, especially in warm weather

– Soil should be evenly moist but not soggy

– Mulch helps conserve moisture; avoid overhead watering to prevent disease

– Thrives in partial shade – ideal with morning sun and dappled afternoon light

– Can tolerate full sun in cooler climates with adequate moisture

– Avoid deep shade, which reduces blooming

– Not grown for harvest

– Flowers are ornamental only and not edible

– No commercial or culinary harvesting

– Apply a slow-release, acid-forming fertilizer for azaleas in early spring

– Optional light refeeding just after bloom

– Avoid fertilizers with high nitrogen to prevent excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers

– Pollinated by bees and small insects

– Self-fertile, but fruit set is minimal and not significant

– Flowers are nectar-rich, contributing to pollinator habitats

– Hosta – bold leaves contrast beautifully with low azalea mounds

– Ferns – offer soft texture and thrive in similar conditions

– Heuchera – colorful foliage pairs well with white blooms

– Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa) – graceful and shade-loving

– Pieris japonica, Camellia, and Hydrangea macrophylla – for staggered bloom and structural layering in acidic shade beds