Large, ruffled flowers bloom in June. The Gumpo variety produces single, white, ruffled flowers up to 3-inches wide. Pink Gumpo produces pale pink flowers with a white edge. Gumpos are a good choice if you want a true dwarf azalea. Although most Satsuki varieties are not well known in the United States, they are very popular in Japan where they originated.
Authorities believe they came from the Japanese species indicum and eriocarpum.
Some varieties grow as tall as 5 feet. Colors may vary widely, even on individual plants. When the Satsuki azaleas become better known, they will probably be used more by Alabama gardeners. They extend the azalea season and offer blooms past the time of our last frost dates. They are very hardy evergreens, but the winter foliage is usually unattractive.