Frost-resistant rhododendrons - the best varieties

With over 800 species and subspecies of rhododendron, you can find several ideal options that can truly enhance your garden during the cold season.

Frost-resistant rhododendrons

If you search rhododendronsAs for frost-resistant varieties, you can find a large number online, but not all can easily withstand severe frosts, which are quite common in winter. However, there are several excellent options that can survive a cold winter, including:

• Katewbinsky and all its various hybrids – easily tolerates temperatures down to -32 degrees, begins to bloom in late May, early June, has lilac or purple-red flowers;

• Rhododendron yakushimanskii, as well as its hybrid varieties - some can withstand up to -32 degrees, but basically this figure fluctuates between -23 and -29 degrees. The bush is no more than one meter high, has pale pink or white-pink flowers;

• Korotkoplody or Fori – this rhododendron will easily withstand frost down to -29 degrees;

• Rhododendron Williams – can grow at temperatures down to -29 degrees;

• Japanese – tolerates winter well, flowers are bright orange or brick-red;

• Canadian – not afraid of frost, but to ensure active flowering it is worth covering with film. It has lilac-purple flowers, the height is about two meters. Such flower for the dacha will appeal to many;

• Yellow or drooping azalea – tolerates severe frost, has yellow flowers, and tolerates shade. It has one peculiarity – it emits a toxic substance, so you should be careful when touching it; it is best not to touch it;

• Caucasian – has large white flowers, prefers shade, tolerates frost well, grows slowly. Feature – poisonous plant;

• Daurian - the peculiarity of this rhododendron is that the leaves can remain on the stem for two seasons - before winter they darken and curl, and with the onset of spring they open and turn green. It can overwinter with buds on the branches;

• Golden – flowers are yellow or golden, easily survives winter, is afraid of heat.

Preparing for winter – proper care for rhododendrons

We recommend:Hydrangea paniculata: choosing a variety for the Moscow region.

After planting rhododendrons (frost-hardy varieties), remember that they require care, just like any other plant. That's why, after their first bloom, you should monitor their condition, specifically, whether new shoots are emerging. If so, you should stop them, as they won't have time to form and open before the first snowfall, which will negatively impact the entire plant.

To stop shoot growth, prepare a solution of potassium sulfate, using a 1% solution. This solution should only be sprayed on the upper part of the plant; under no circumstances should it be watered. This will also make the plant woody and encourage the formation of new flowers. It's best to stop watering the plant for a while.

You need to protect your rhododendron from snow and wind—make a simple structure from scrap materials, but it must be sturdy. Remove it only after you're certain there's no frost in sight.

When choosing rhododendrons, consider all the growing conditions they will encounter—this will ensure the bush overwinters easily. Also, remember the care and planting guidelines, which are guaranteed to avoid any unnecessary problems.