Rhododendrons and the Danger of Frost.
My Rhododendrons were in full bloom when a late frost caught them quite badly.
Winter has been wet and mild but if the USA is anything to go by hard frosts may still be on the way so look after your early flowering Rhododendrons.
Although Rhododendron ‘Nobleanum’ displays its pink flowers intermittently throughout the winter, the season really begins with a few early bloomers like Rhododendron dauricum after Christmas and continues until Rhododendron ‘Polar Bear’ calls it a day in August. The main flowering period tends to be late April and early May. This unnamed plant was in full bloom in Durham botanic garden on 1st March 2009.
‘More frost damage on an Early Rhododendron’
Tips to Avoid Frost Damage
- There is no cure after frosting has occurred but waiting for next year.
- Avoid planting in a frost pocket. Frost flows, like water, downhill
- Plant under light shade which will offer some frost protection and the Early Rhododendrons will still flower and thrive.
- For small specimen shrubs it may be worth covering with horticultural fleece if a cold snap is predicted.
Ancient Mariners Rhododendrons
This picture shows what I call the rime of the ancient mariner as I groweth one of three. Most Gardeners look after the great and small, both bird and beast……
Farewell, farewell! but this I tell
To thee, thou Wedding-Guest!
He prayeth well, who loveth well
Both man and bird and beast.
He prayeth best, who loveth best
All things both great and small; ……