For homeowners, the problem of frost damage to rhododendrons is sometimes very annoying. Fortunately, preventive winter care for rhododendrons is possible. Winter poses a major threat to broadleaf evergreen plants in temperate climates worldwide. The living tissue is vulnerable to the damaging effects of extreme heat, cold, desiccation and sunburn.
When winter comes, several difficulties arise for outdoor plants. Below, discover helpful tips on how to recognize and prevent frost damage to rhododendrons. How to save a frozen rhododendron? You can also find out here!
Curled leaves during the frost period
The plants face a number of threats during winter, including:
- In winter, rhododendrons have to contend with a formidable obstacle - a thick layer of snow and ice.
- In winter, the leaves of rhododendrons are blown by the wind, which dries them out.
- In addition, the roots of rhododendrons can be injured by the solid, frozen ground.
The rhododendron's solution to these problems is to curl the leaves. Rhododendron leaves curl up when it gets cold because the roots can no longer absorb water as easily in frozen ground. Added to this is the dry wind. The plants lose water in this way. What's more, the blades are able to shed heavy loads of snow and ice by sagging and curling.
Recognize frost damage to rhododendrons
The bushes in exposed and protected locations can show frost damage regardless of their age. Brown spots on the tips or edges of leaves, death of the tips of the branches or the entire plant, drying out of the tips of shoots or branches are all signs of frost damage, although the severity can vary.
The entire shrub may show symptoms, or just one or two branches. The damage to several rhododendrons is partly caused by unhealthy roots. Newly planted shrubs without an established root system and older shrubs of any size with a root system that has been destroyed by drought or excessive irrigation may be most affected.
While we can't change the weather, there are things we can do to reduce the severity of frost damage. Rhododendrons try to avoid drying out in winter by letting their leaves droop and curl. Although this method is good for protecting rhododendrons from frost damage, there are other measures you can take.
- First, choose a good planting location and then use good gardening techniques to ensure the plants thrive. One way to accomplish this is to water the shrubs deeply in the fall before the ground freezes.
- Don't fertilize in mid-summer or early fall - this encourages late growth that may not harden off adequately for winter.
- Remove any dead branches or twigs,which attract pestscould.
Also interesting:Cutting rhododendrons: When is the right time and which cutting methods should you use?
How to save a frozen rhododendron? Tips
Mulchcan help retain more moisture and heat in winter. A rhododendron's root system should always be covered with a thick layer of mulch because its roots are much shallower than those of other plants. In many cases, a 4-inch layer of organic mulch such as wood chips or pine needles is enough to keep out the cold. Not only does it keep plants moist, but it also reduces the rate at which water evaporates from the soil.
UseJute sacksto protect plants from drying winds and water loss. This is particularly important for newly planted plants or plants in exposed locations.
Since the ground is frozen solid in winter, it is very difficult to grow the plants againWaterto provide. The tips and possibly the entire leaves of rhododendrons wilt and die if the water content in the cells is insufficient. But you should only water in dry weather,reports Inkarho.de. If you want your plants to be prepared for the next cold snap, water them deeply and thoroughly on warmer days.
Even minor frost damage can be managed:CutSimply restore the affected areas in early spring to restore your rhododendron to its original shape before the affected leaves become an eyesore.Sea Mdr.deYou should not cut off the young shoots too early, as late frosts up to the Ice Saints can damage them. However, you can carefully pick off the withered, dead leaves straight away. Dead shoots should be cut back until only healthy wood remains.
Also read:Care tips for rhododendrons in winter – How to make your plants winter-proof
Cover photo: Agnes Kantaruk/ Shutterstock
