Finding out when to open a rhododendron after winter

Tell me when to open the rhododendron after winter? We bought and planted a seedling two years ago. He spent his first winter in the garden without protection - they hoped that there would be no severe frosts. But either the variety was not particularly resistant, or the weather really turned out to be too harsh for the bush. Most of the branches are frozen, at least a few shoots and roots are well preserved. This year they decided not to risk it and covered it by making a frame on top. When is it better to take it off?

We all look forward to the warmth to see the gorgeous flowering of rhododendrons. For the sake of these colorful flower hats, gardeners groom and cherish their plants, especially worrying about their wintering. It is harder for evergreen varieties, because they freeze more often. Therefore, especially in the northern regions, perennials necessarily overwinter under cover. But one more thing remains: when to open the rhododendron after winter?

Often, winter is in no hurry to leave, and flower buds freeze over early bushes left without protection. As a result, flowering suffers - there are not so many buds. However, you cannot "overexpose" rhododendrons, otherwise they will rot during the thaw.

When to open rhododendron after winter

It is necessary to open the bushes gradually, focusing on the local weather conditions:

1. Second half of March - early April. First, on a warm but cloudy day, you need to open the perennial so that it airs out. Then put everything in place again, but leaving small gaps on both sides.
2. The first half of April is in the middle lane and the second is in the north. By this time, the soil should have thawed at least 20 cm and the shelter can be completely removed.

Do not leave the bush unprotected, because it will get burns from the bright spring sun. You can prevent them by shading the rhododendron from the south and west.

First spring care for rhododendrons

Opened perennials should be well examined. In order for the ground under the bush to warm up faster, last year's mulch should be removed. Moreover, the larvae of pests could overwinter in it. Later, you will need to put on a fresh mulch layer to prevent rapid evaporation of moisture.

Then, if there is water under the plant, it should be urgently taken away so that the roots do not rot. Sometimes you even have to transplant a rhododendron, if the original place was chosen incorrectly. But the plant tolerates re-transplanting well. Better than the bush disappears.

And one more thing - inspection of the crown. Despite the shelter, in some cases, the shoots can still suffer. Frozen twigs and brown leaves must be cut off. This is not scary - rhododendron recovers well and will return to its previous volume by the end of the season. Special care must be taken when examining evergreen varieties. If you see curled leaves, leave them alone for two weeks. During this time, they will unfold, and those that have not opened can be cut off.

Shelter of rhododedrons: when to cover and reveal - video