- Rhododendrons, the kings of the garden, need special care in winter to delight with abundant flowering.
- Protecting the roots and bush against frost and winter wind is the key to their survival.
- Do you want your rhododendron to bloom like a king after winter? Discover what you need to do this weekend!
Do it this weekend with the rhododendron in the garden. After a frosty winter, it will bloom like a king
also called rhododendrons, are the kings of shady corners of the garden, adding elegance and color in May and June. Their abundant flowering and variety of colors make them appreciated by gardeners all over the world. Rhododendrons are deciduous or evergreen shrubs characterized by leathery, elliptical leaves. The most spectacular are, of course, the flowers, collected in spherical or umbel-shaped inflorescences. They come in a wide range of colors: from white, through shades of pink, red, purple, to yellow and orange. And although we enjoy their appearance most often in spring and summer, they should be cared for all year round, especially in winter. Hard frost, heavy rain and snow are definitely not favored by rhododendrons. It is then very important to protect the bushes against cold, which will allow them to survive this time. So do it this rhododendron weekend, or even after this cold winter.
How to protect rhododendrons against frost? 3 important steps
Protecting rhododendrons against frost is crucial, especially in the case of young plants and varieties that are less resistant to low temperatures. Here it is very important to protect not only the bush itself, but also its roots. Spreading a thick layer of mulch (e.g. pine bark, acidic peat, wood chips) around the roots protects them from freezing and maintains moisture in the soil. Spread the mulch in a layer 5-10 cm thick. Then take care of the bush itself. Cover the plant with agrotextile, wrapping it several times. You can also build a frame from bamboo poles or wire so that the agrotextile does not directly touch the leaves and branches. Also remember that strong winter winds can dry out plants and increase the risk of frost damage. Protect rhododendrons from the side from which the wind most often blows, e.g. by placing a reed screen or building a cover from boards.
Rhododendron care in winter
it mainly involves providing the plant with adequate hydration. If rhododendron leaves begin to curl in winter, it is a sign of physiological drought. The bush should be watered as soon as the temperature is above zero and no frost is predicted. The plant may wither because it constantly absorbs water from the ground. Therefore, it is worth putting snow around the plant or, when the temperature is above zero, watering it with previously collected rainwater. And here is a very important rule – under no circumstances should you water rhododendrons in winter with water at room temperature, because for them it will be at the temperature of boiling water.
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