Winter Protection For Azaleas Caring For Azalea Shrubs In Winter

If your azalea shows signs of winter damage, you'll need to provide some protection. To cover the plant, drive stakes in the ground, then drape porous material, like old bed sheets or burlap, over the shrub.

1. Do Azaleas need to be covered in freeze?
2. Should you cut back azaleas bushes?
3. What do azaleas look like in winter?
4. When should I cut back my azaleas?

Do Azaleas need to be covered in freeze?

Many shrubs will withstand freezing temperatures, and unless temperatures are expected to drop into the low 20s or teens, few cover these shrubs. Some gardeners cover azaleas, especially when in bloom, during a hard freeze. The plants will survive covered or not, but frost will ruin any flowers.

Should you cut back azaleas bushes?

Azaleas do not require pruning, though they respond very well to it when pruned at the right time. You want to prune your evergreen azaleas immediately after the blooms have faded in spring.

What do azaleas look like in winter?

Many times from the late fall through winter, you may notice azaleas with reddish or purple foliage, yellow foliage, spotted foliage and just overall “poor-looking” growth. ... Plants in more shade than sun normally have thinner foliage in wintertime. Azaleas are normally fertilized in spring after flowering is complete.

When should I cut back my azaleas?

Prune azaleas soon after they bloom in the spring or early summer. The perfect time is when spent flowers begin to discolor and shrivel. Cutting them back in late summer, fall, or winter will remove flowerbuds and keep them from blooming.