Rhododendron, also known as rosewood, is one of the most popular ornamental plants in the world. This can be explained by the fact that it has a spectacular appearance, and at the same time is not very fastidious in its care. Rhododendron looks most attractive in spring, when beautiful flowers of various colors (purple, white, red, orange and others) stand out brightly against the green foliage. On the territory of our country you can find more than a hundred species of this plant. In addition, many of its hybrids have also been bred. As for care, the most important thing in it is the correct wintering, depending on the specific species. How the shelter of rhododendrons is made will be discussed further.
First you need to determine the plant variety. The current opinion about fragility and fear of severe frosts is wrong, because some varieties are able to withstand temperatures of minus thirty degrees. In this case, we are talking about the most tender part of the bush - flower buds. The plant itself is able to withstand more severeconditions. Therefore, for some types of a bush such as rhododendron, shelter for the winter is not required. Be that as it may, regardless of the variety, young varieties are recommended to be warmed, especially in a snowless winter.
Some of the plant varieties evaporate moisture even in winter. This should not be forgotten and should be provided with the necessary amount of water. This is done before the onset of the first frost by abundant watering in the amount of about twelve liters of water per specimen. Next, mulching is carried out due to a thick layer of pine bark. As soon as the first frosts come, it should be increased by adding pine needles or compost. Such a kind of shelter for the rhododendron for the winter will allow him to easily survive it.
It should be noted that deciduous species are less demanding on frost compared to others. The main thing for them is that the branches are under the snow cover, and the root neck is sprinkled with dry foliage or peat with a layer about 15 cm thick.
Rhododendron shelter for the winter can be both artificial and natural. In the first case, all kinds of frames, usually covered with kraft paper, will suit its role. As for natural species, they are usually dry oak leaves or spruce branches. Such a shelter of rhododendron for the winter as burlap is considered very good. Some of the domestic gardeners even build special houses using polypropylene and polyurethane foam for this.
Rosewood branches are quite fragile, so you should constantly shake off the snow from them. If this is not possible, then it is recommended to build a kind of frame for it from the boards, not forgetting the need for fresh air.
The created shelter of rhododendron for the winter must be removed after the threat that the temperature will drop below ten degrees of frost has passed. The fact is that none of the varieties of this plant are afraid of such temperatures. Moreover, if the cover remains, then this can lead to the fact that the bush will scorch. In the case when the plant is protected, it will successfully survive even a very harsh winter.
