AT A GLANCE
Are azaleas hardy and how do I care for them in winter?
Which azaleas are hardy?
You can tell whether your azalea is hardy or not by whether or not it sheds its leaves in the fall. Deciduous azaleas are suitable for free range and frost hardy.
One of the most famous azalea species that is an exception is the Japanese Azalea (Rhododendron japonicum). Although it is largely evergreen, it is very hardy and hardy. The Japanese Azalea has a relatively small habit with numerous compact flowers. It is often found in gardens under large trees that give it plenty of shade.
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How do I care for hardy garden azaleas to protect them from the cold?
Garden azaleas are relatively hardy and survive our European winters. In particularly cold winters without snow as an insulating layer, you should give your hardy garden azalea some support. You should also protect young plants from freezing cold and draughts. If the ground is permanently frozen, the plant cannot absorb water and dies. The following measures can help:
- Protect the soil and thus the root area with a thick layer of mulch. Autumn leaves or wood chips are particularly suitable for this.
- Water your azalea on frost-free days.
How much cold can an azalea take?
Down to -25 degrees Celsius the azalea survives in a relatively sheltered location and requires no further frost protection. However, if your azalea is in the bucket you should wrap them up well or take them indoors to a cool, light place protected from draughts. In the bucket, the plant cannot access frost-protected groundwater like its planted colleagues. If it cannot absorb water, it dries up. A suitable one winter quarters is, for example, a cool, bright stairwell or the bedroom.
Which location is suitable for the garden azalea in winter?
garden azaleas find in summer under a big tree Protection from direct sunlight and increased humidity. In the winter protects this one too from cold gusts of wind and mitigates frost somewhat.
The azalea is often used as a hedge plant. Here you should likewise on a relatively protected Location regard. In summer, azaleas should not be exposed to the blazing sun at midday and in winter they should be protected from icy winds. If the plant is exposed to strong winds, it will reduce the blooms in the next year enormously.
Tip
Remove frost damage before the new shoots
When the depths of winter are over and spring is slowly but surely making its appearance again, you should check your azalea for any frost damage. Dead twigs can be cut off cleanly just before the spring shoots. This will provoke strong new growth. Rolled leaves are not forest damage. In this way, the plant effectively protects itself against moisture loss through evaporation.
