With the exception of a few tropical varieties, rhododendrons are considered hardy and can therefore easily be overwintered in local regions. We have the 6 best tips for you to help you overwinter your plant!
variety
The selection of varieties has a decisive influence on the wintering of the rhododendrons, because some varieties cope better with the low temperatures in winter than others. Tropical varieties do not hibernate as well, whereas the following specimens usually hardly resp. have no problems with sub-zero temperatures:
- subgenus azaleastrum
- subgenus Hymenanthes
- subgenus therorhodes
- 'Catawbiense Grandiflorum'
- 'Germania'
Root protection
Many rhododendrons are hardy, but they have very shallow roots. The roots are accordingly close to the soil surface. That stops in the cold season
This is 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 various 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 in frost, the plant is not able to do that
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:
- Sun sails made of wooden stakes and fabric
- Reed mat
Tip: A shade sail is also ideal as a windbreak!
Fertilize and water
In terms of care, there are a few things to consider when overwintering the rhododendrons: While the plant the last time it is fertilized around the beginning of October, it should continue to be watered in the winter months will. Because most of the species are evergreen plants that lose a lot of moisture through the leaves even in winter. It is not uncommon for the ornamental shrub to roll up its leaves in the winter months - this is usually a sign of a lack of water in the soil. In this case, it is advisable to water the plant the next time it is heated.
In addition, it is worth considering the following tips:
- Moderate watering before the onset of frost
- Pour with lime-free water
- Avoid waterlogging at all costs
Hibernate rhododendrons in the bucket
Anyone who cultivates the rose tree in a tub should place it in a protected location in winter. In the open air, for example, the
North wall of the house or a corner of the garden protected by hedges. The shade of a gazebo is also suitable as winter quarters for the plant. It is important that the location is as sheltered from the wind as possible and without direct sunlight. The vessel is best placed on a thick styrofoam mat or on special feet.
The rose tree should then be watered before it is protected as follows:
- Apply foil or a layer of styrofoam around the pot
- Wrap the vessel with a jute or coconut mat
- Additionally protect the earth from above
- It is best to cover with brushwood or oak leaves
Note: The rose tree can also overwinter indoors. The best winter quarters are a bright and cool room and a room temperature of 5 to 10 degrees Celsius.
care
In terms of care, the rose tree in the bucket is quite undemanding, because it just 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 off. If the plant rolls up its leaves, this is usually a sign of frost. The leaves usually roll up again as soon as it gets warmer.
