Every azalea has the potential to live for decades, but a long life means surviving quite a few winters. Hardiness varies wildly depending on the variety, and while some can handle the cold on their own, others need a little help from us to make it to spring.
How do I properly overwinter my azaleas?
For young garden azaleas, cover the root zone with reed mats or mulch. If you have a garden azalea in a pot, wrap the container in bubble wrap to keep the roots safe. Indoor azaleas (florist azaleas) need to come inside to a cool spot between 46°F and 60°F, away from drafts and direct sun. Regardless of the type, remember to give them a little water throughout the winter.
Which azaleas actually need winter protection?
Only established garden azaleas planted in the ground are truly hardy (some down to -13°F) and can usually handle a typical winter without much fuss. However, you’ll definitely need to step in with protection for:
- Newly planted garden azaleas
- Garden azaleas in large pots (at least 12 inches in diameter)
Moving them indoors for the winter is a must for:
- All indoor/florist azaleas (Azalea simsii)
- Garden azaleas in small, vulnerable pots
How do I protect young azaleas in the garden bed?
If a cold snap is on the horizon, don’t wait! Immediately cover the root area of young plants with reed mats, evergreen boughs, or a thick layer of mulch to insulate the shallow root system.
How can I overwinter a potted garden azalea outdoors?
If your azalea is in a small pot (less than 12 inches wide), the root ball can freeze solid even with protection. Your best bet is to repot it into a larger container before the cold hits. Then, follow these steps to winterize it:
- Stop fertilizing by September to let the plant harden off.
- Get your protection in place before the first hard frost.
- Spread a thick layer of mulch over the soil surface.
- Wrap the pot in bubble wrap, burlap, or garden fleece.
- Move it to a spot shielded from harsh wind and rain.
- Elevate the pot on a piece of Styrofoam or a wooden board to insulate it from the cold ground.
- Give it a sip of water on mild, frost-free days.
What about indoor (florist) azaleas?
The indoor azalea, often called the Indian Azalea, can’t handle frost at all. It should only be outside during the warm months—roughly mid-May to mid-October. The rest of the year, it needs to be inside. Interestingly, because these bloom between November and April, overwintering them is all about supporting that bloom cycle. They’ll be happiest with:
- Temperatures between 46°F and 60°F.
- No drafts (which make the flowers drop faster).
- No direct, scorching sunlight.
- Consistent care and attention.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to water in winter!
Azaleas have very shallow root systems. If the top layer of soil freezes during a “dry freeze” (cold without snow), the plant can’t drink, leading to dehydration. To prevent this, water your garden azaleas on warm, frost-free days. A thick layer of mulch applied in the fall is your best defense against the ground freezing too deep, too fast.