Rhododendron eriocarpum

Dwarf indica (gumpo) azalea is a woody, rounded, broadleaf semi-evergreen shrub in the Ericaceae (blueberry) family that slowly grows to 1 to 2 feet high and wide. This small shrub or groundcover is native to the Ryukyu Islands in Japan.  The genus name derives from the Greek words rhodo, which means rose, and dendron, meaning tree. 

This slow growing plant prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil. Amend soil with organic matter especially in dense clay. It grows best in partial shade and needs protection from afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. Pruning may be done after flowering.  Dwarf indica is very frost tender and may not flower in cooler climates.

This azalea is moderately salt tolerant. The flowers are showy and attract bees and other pollinators so give it a home in a naturalized area or pollinator garden. Use in an accent in a foundation planting, as a small hedge, or plant in the front of a border.  It does well in containers or mass planted as a ground cover. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Insect problems include aphids, borers, lace bugs, leafhoppers, mealybugs, mites, nematodes, scale, thrips, and whitefly.  Diseases include canker, crown rot, root rot, leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew.  

While these shrubs remain very popular for landscape use, many cultivars are susceptible to Phytophthora root rot—this leads to leaf loss, reduced vigor, branch dieback, and wilting. Implement good cultural practices first, such as improving drainage with organic matter or berms and avoiding overwatering or overfertilization.  However, if you have a site with a history of this disease, consider planting a root rot-resistant alternative species. 

For suitable alternatives, see this video created by Charlotte Glen as part of the Plants, Pests, and Pathogens series.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Rhododendron.