Hardy or in need of protection?

Garden Azalea vs. Room azalea

But be careful when buying, because if it says 'Azalea' it doesn't necessarily mean a Japanese azalea. A rough distinction is made between hardy garden azaleas (the Japanese azalea) and non-hardy indoor azaleas. The latter come from the subtropics and tropics of Southeast Asia and would not survive a German winter. They are pure house plants. Please pay attention to the following designations:

• Japanese azalea
• Garden azalea
• Rhododendron japonicum
• Azalea mollis

Here you can access it without any worries, because it is always the hardy variant. However, if the label only says 'Azalea', it is mostly indoor azaleas.

Japanese azaleas usually do not need winter protection unless it is

• they are very young plants.
• the winter is very cold, but without snow (bald frost).
• the ground is frozen (roots can no longer absorb water).

In these cases you can cover the root area with reed mats or similar. ä. cover. In addition, you should definitely use frost-free days to water the plant. Prolonged ground frost sometimes means that the shallow root can no longer absorb moisture and simply dries up.

Hibernate the pot azalea properly

Since the Japanese azalea rarely gets higher than two meters and is also quite good by cutting measures often will keep it in check cultivated in pots. Of course, tub azaleas are also hardy, but different rules apply to these with regard to wintering. Since the roots have nothing to oppose the frosty outside temperatures due to the planter and the small amount of soil, you have to provide the necessary protection. To do this, place the vessel on a base made of styrofoam or wood and wrap the tub with reed mats or fleece. A protective stand near a heat-emitting wall is also useful.