Gumpo Azaleas in the Winter

• As with all azaleas, Gumpos grow best in filtered shade or on the north side of a building. Darrell Gulin/Stockbyte/Getty Images

  Winter is hard on azaleas. Strong winds from the south and north can dry out foliage, causing the leaves to lose more moisture than they are able to replace when ground water is frozen. Bark can be damaged by sudden changes in temperature. Gumpo azaleas are dwarf evergreen azaleas prized for their late-spring flowers. They are reliably winter-hardy only in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone 7 and warmer, according to the University of Arkansas. Growing them only within their recommended hardiness zones increases their chance of coming through winter unharmed. Take a few simple precautions to help ensure their winter survival.

Site Selection

• According to the University of Maryland, much of the winter damage to azaleas is caused by rapid changes in temperature, which cause cracks in the plant's bark and drying of the foliage. Plant Gumpos on a site that slopes to the east or north, or on the east or north side of buildings. These locations offer protection from drying south and west winds, as well as temperature increases caused by afternoon sunshine. Avoid planting azaleas at the corner of buildings, since winds are stronger there.

Watering

• Azaleas harden off better if kept dry in September, notes Virginia Tech, making them better prepared for winter dormancy. However, the soil needs to be thoroughly moist before the onset of cold weather. The experts at Virginia Tech recommend giving azaleas a good soak around Thanksgiving. Watering at that time prepares the plant for winter without reducing winter hardiness.

Physical Barriers

• "Winter burn" is the leaf browning caused by drying winter winds. One way to protect your Gumpo azaleas is to create a physical barrier around the plant. The University of Maryland recommends erecting a burlap or plastic wind screen approximately 18 inches away from the plants on the windward side. This will reduce wind speed and lessen damage from winter winds. In addition, Virginia Tech suggests planting evergreens to the south and west of your azaleas.

Mulch

• Use branches pruned from evergreens or holiday trees to protect your gumpo azaleas. christmas-tree image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com

  As with all azaleas, Gumpos are shallow-rooted plants that need a year-round, 2-inch-deep mulch to conserve moisture around the plant. However, if your azaleas are planted in an exposed site or outside their recommended hardiness range, use a winter mulch for added protection. Virginia Tech emphasizes that winter mulch must be light and airy, so don't use leaves that can mat down against the shrub. Instead, recycle pruned evergreen branches, or loose hay or straw, to protect your shrubs.