The peacock eye is a hybrid variety from the diverse rhododendron family. Its most impressive feature is the pink and lilac patterned flowers. Otherwise, this rhododendron is no different than other varieties. Can we therefore expect good winter hardiness?
How can the peacock eye hibernate safely?
The peacock eye hibernates without protection at a hardiness of -20 °C. However, in the bucket it needs winter protection, e.g. B. by wrapping the pot warm, a protected location on a house wall or drainage in the pot. Make sure you have enough water without drowning the plant.
Planted peacock eye is strong against frost
The winter hardiness of the peacock eye plant is given as -20 °C. This means that the shrub should get through every winter well even without protective measures. But if you find time to cover your root area with brushwood, you should do so. This is particularly recommended in the first year of operation and in harsh regions of the country.
However, the peacock's eye only develops this high level of winter hardiness when it is in the right location. It should be shady, with humus-rich, loose and acidic soil.
This rhododendron also retains its leaves in winter, allowing moisture to evaporate, although less than in summer. Therefore, do not forget to water the rhododendron a little in winter if its root area is dry.
Peacock eye in a bucket
A peacock eye that is planted in a pot needs winter protection. This applies to every winter and to every region of the country. It must be prevented that frosty air flows around the bucket and penetrates into the interior. In this regard, the plant faces danger from every side.
- Pot must not stand on cold ground
- use pots with feet when planting
- alternatively place the bucket on a polystyrene plate
- Wrap the pot warm
- with plant fleece (€7.00 at Amazon), jute or bubble wrap
Location and care in winter
The peacock eye may have to change its location in winter if the old one is not ideal. The aim is to protect the rhododendron from icy winds and rain.
- place protected
- for example on a house wall
- ideally covered
In winter, ensure that the potted plant has sufficient water supply. The root ball must not dry out completely. But it is also important not to water the peacock eye in large quantities. The plant must not stand in water. That's why your pot urgently needs to have drainage holes. A drainage layer made of coarse gravel or pottery shards is also essential.
