Table of contents
- variety
- root protection
- sun protection
- fertilize and water
- Overwinter rhododendrons in tubs
- Care
With the exception of a few tropical varieties, rhododendrons are considered hardy and can therefore be overwintered in local regions without any problems. We have the 6 best tips for you to help you overwinter the plant!
variety
The variety selection has a decisive influence on the hibernation of the rhododendron, because some varieties cope better with the low temperatures in winter than others. Tropical varieties are less easy to overwinter, whereas the following specimens usually hardly or not at all. have no problems with sub-zero temperatures:
- subgenus Azaleastrum
- subgenus Hymenanthes
- subgenus Therorhodia
- 'Catawbiense grandiflorum'
- ,Germania'
root protection
Although many rhododendrons are hardy, they root very shallowly in the ground. The roots are accordingly close to the soil surface. In the cold season, this poses a risk for the plants, because frost penetrates from the soil surface into the soil and thus reaches the roots relatively quickly. To prevent frost damage to the root system, the root ball should be protected accordingly by covering the surface of the earth.
The hobby gardener has a number of options to choose from:
- Small branches of conifers
- oak leaves
- Crushed bark of conifers
- combination of all
sun protection
In the winter months it is usually very cold, but the sun should not be underestimated. If the ornamental shrub is exposed to direct sunlight at sub-zero temperatures, there is a risk of drought damage! Because when there is frost, the plant is not able to compensate for evaporation by absorbing water. The result: the leaves become dry and brown. To prevent this from happening, the plant should be provided with sun protection in winter.
The following variants are suitable for this:
- Awning made of wooden poles and fabric
- reed mat
Tip:
A sun sail is also ideal as a windbreak!
fertilize and water
In terms of care, there are also a few things to consider when overwintering the rhododendron: while the plant the last time it was fertilized around the beginning of October, it should continue to be watered during the winter months become. Because most species are evergreen plants that lose a lot of moisture through the leaves even in winter. The ornamental shrub often rolls up its leaves in the winter months - this is usually a sign of a lack of water in the soil. In this case, the most advisable thing is to water the plant the next time it warms up.
In addition, it is worth considering the following tips:
- Moderate watering before the onset of frost
- Pour with lime-free water
- Absolutely avoid waterlogging
Overwinter rhododendrons in tubs
Anyone who cultivates the rose tree in a tub should place it in a sheltered location in winter. Outdoors, for example, the north wall of the house or a corner of the garden protected by hedges is suitable. The shade of a gazebo is also suitable as a winter quarters for the plant. It is important that the location is as sheltered from the wind as possible and not exposed to direct sunlight. The vessel is best placed there on a thick polystyrene mat or on special feet.
The rose tree should then be watered before it is protected as follows:
- Attach foil or styrofoam layer around the pot
- Wrap the container with a jute or coconut mat
- Additionally protect earth from above
- It is best to cover with brushwood or oak leaves
A notice:
The rose tree can also overwinter indoors. A bright and cool room with a room temperature of 5 to 10 degrees Celsius is best suited for winter quarters.
Care
In terms of care, the rose tree in the bucket is quite undemanding, because it only wants to be watered. Here, too, it is important to avoid waterlogging. The container should have a drainage hole so that excess water can drain away. If the plant curls its leaves, this is usually a sign of frost. As a rule, the leaves roll up again as soon as it gets warmer.
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