Content
The Japanese Azalea is hardy
Hibernate Japanese azalea properly
Some azaleas are only suitable for a room culture, while others can easily stay outside in the garden and defy even the worst winter. This is because they are different species: The Zimmerazalee (Rhododendron simsii) comes from the subtropical and tropical regions of Southeast Asia and is therefore not hardy, while the Japanese Azalea (Rhododendron japonicum) from their homeland a similar climate as us is.
Japanese azalea is hardy
For this reason, the Japanese Azalea, in contrast to Zimmerazalee hardy and can therefore be easily planted out in the garden and winter there. However, especially for young plants, a slight winter protection makes sense, older specimens, however, are sufficiently hardened.
Tips
It only becomes problematic if you cultivate the Japanese azalea in a pot. Since the roots are relatively unprotected here - since they are only surrounded by a little protective soil - you should first of all cover the root ball with a garden fleece or something similar and place the pot on a pad of styrofoam or wood. Also, do not forget to water the plant in winter.