Azaleas are found in numerous balconies, terraces, gardens and parks. Not all species are hardy and must be moved to a protected location before the first frost. Find out here what you can do if your azalea has suffered frost damage.
What to do if the azalea is damaged by frost?
Frost damage to azaleas shows up in brownish-black twigs, dried leaf tips and dead shoots. To save the plant, you should remove affected parts with sharp secateurs, cut back to the living part of the plant and bring the azalea to its winter quarters.
Which azaleas need to be protected from frost damage?
Mostgarden azaleasare adapted to the conditions of European winters and can tolerate temperaturesup to -25 degreesCelsius. Deciduous azaleas, which lose their leaves in autumn, are more resistant than their evergreen relatives. But the Japanese garden azalea, for example, is also relatively insensitive to frost.
Indoor azaleas, which can spend the summer on the balcony or terrace,mustHowever,must be brought in before the first frost so that they are not damaged by the cold temperatures.
How do I recognize frost damage on the azalea?
The best way to recognize frost damage is in spring when the plant is about to sprout again. If thebranches are brownish blackand appeardry, this may indicate frost damage. Another indication isdried leaf tipsor whole leavesand dead, young shootsTo check whether your plant is damaged, carefully scratch the bark a little a. If it is lush green underneath, the branch is intact. Attention: Curled leaves are not a sign of frost damage but a natural plant protection and regulate themselves again.
How do I save the azalea after frost damage?
If you have noticed frost damage, you should carefully remove the affected parts of the garden azalea with sharp and clean secateurs (€14.00 on Amazon). To do this, you should wait untilfor new growthin order to be able to clearly see which parts are irreparably damaged. Cut back to theagainliving part of the plant
If you have left yourpotted azaleaoutside for too long, bring the plantimmediatelyinto the houseinto its winter quartersOnly cut them back in spring when you notice the damage to the new growth.
How do I prevent frost damage to the azalea?
Azaleas in potsor containers should be broughtto a protected winter quartersin good time. PlantedGarden Azaleasshould be hardy. Strengthen again before frost with an autumn fertilizer. Deciduous azaleas tolerate more cold andnormally do not need any further protectionEvergreen azaleascanon warm winter daystoo much Lose water through evaporation through the leaves and shouldbe watered
Athick layer of mulch also keeps the soil warm.
Tip
What a protected winter quarter for frost-sensitive azaleas looks like
Before the first frost, cold-sensitive azaleas in the bucket or pot must be moved to a protected location. This should be cool, bright and without direct sunlight. Temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius are optimal. You should also definitely avoid cold drafts and warm heating air to prevent the plant from drying out. A protected place in the stairwell or hallway, for example, is ideal.
