It is one of four labeled "Gumpo White" but this one is different. Bigger, fuzzier, darker green leaves and more upright growth.Looks like a great azalea to start with and to learn on to me!
No tags? . . .
Electrical insulation tape works well. Two layers. First one I put the glue side away from the bark. Give the tape some stretch when wrapped around.Something stronger would have worked better.
Yeah don't go that way. As I said above, the first layer should be put on with the glue away from the bark....bit of a schlep, but you'll get the hang of it quickly. The second layer is wrapped onto the glue side. The two pieces of tape can be stuck together before hand and wrapped that way. I however choose to put them on seperately. That way I can get some stretch from the tape to fit the branch snuggly.Not sure it will be easy to remove as it is really tenacious when used for its intended purpose.
And maybe something thicker would act like some padding to prevent wire scars?I made some measurements and electrical tape is about .0065"thick, garden wrap tape is .004" or .008", pin striping tape is .005"and grafting tape is listed at .004"(not meas.)- many types of grafting tape are out there. I am looking for some jute twine thinner than 3 mm as it gives really good protection and is super easy to remove. Azaleas take a set very quickly during the growth season. If the wires are on for a year, most of the time that is way too long. Given a choice, I also think it is better to to use something that is permeable.
Shape looks good. However I would like to note that with you wrapping the entire trunk, you are limiting yourself for new buds to emerge at strategic locations. Unless of course you don't need new buds anywhere else on the trunk.Trimmed and wrapped:
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I used 3 layers of grafting tape to wrap the trunk. Something stronger would have worked better.
Wired:
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I thought I was being clever and providing wider support by separating the two wires around the trunk. I think it would have been better to lay the two wires next to each other as is usual.
Bent:
View attachment 317445
Looking now, more gentler bends might have looked better. And less risky.
If you are concerned about wire scars........you are not giving your trees enough attention. Some say wrapping the wire will reduce scarring, but the only real way is to look at your trees. You can use the paper tape that is found in the floral section for fake flowers at any hobby shop. You can find both green and brown.And maybe something thicker would act like some padding to prevent wire scars?
Cotton twine might work, too.