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Rhododendron is a shrub that is grown throughout the Northern Hemisphere. It is valued for its decorative properties and abundant flowering. In the middle zone, the plant is only gaining popularity. The main problem when growing rhododendrons is cold winters. Therefore, hybrids that can withstand even harsh winters are chosen for planting. The following are frost-resistant varieties of rhododendrons with photos and descriptions.
Evergreen frost-resistant varieties of rhododendrons
Evergreen rhododendrons do not lose their leaves in the fall. They are dehydrated and rolled up even in frost-resistant varieties. The stronger the frost, the more pronounced this effect. When spring comes, the leaves unfurl. For the winter, even frost-resistant rhododendrons are covered with non-woven fabric.
Alfred
The frost-resistant hybrid was obtained in 1900 by the German scientist T. Seidel. Plant height is up to 1.2 m, crown diameter is 1.5 m.The bush of the plant is quite compact, with brown bark and elongated leaves. The Alfred variety begins flowering in June. The flowers are purple, with a yellowish spot, up to 6 cm in size. They grow in inflorescences of 15 pieces.
The Alfred rhododendron variety blooms annually and profusely. The buds bloom within 20 days. Every year the shrub gives an increase of 5 cm. The plant is light-loving and frost-resistant, tolerates light partial shade. The variety prefers slightly acidic soil rich in humus. The hybrid is propagated by cuttings or layering. Seeds have low germination - less than 10%.
Grandiflorum
The frost-resistant rhododendron Grandiflorum was eaten in England at the beginning of the 19th century. The shrub grows up to 2 m in height. The rhododendron crown reaches 1.5 - 2 m in girth. Its shoots are dark gray, the leaves are elliptical, leathery, 8 cm long. The crown of the crop is spreading. The flowers are lilac in color, 6 - 7 cm in size. They are odorless and bloom in compact inflorescences of 15 pieces. Flowering occurs in early June.
The rhododendron variety Grandiflora blooms in June. Due to its large inflorescences, the hybrid is also called large-flowered. The shrub has a decorative appearance during the flowering period. The Grandiflora variety grows quickly, its size increases by 10 cm per year. The plant prefers sunny places, but it can develop in the shade. The hybrid is frost-resistant, tolerates winter frosts down to -32 °C.
Winter-hardy rhododendron Grandiflora in the photo:
Helsinki University
Helsinki University rhododendron is a frost-resistant hybrid bred in Finland. The plant reaches a height of up to 1.7 m, the diameter of its crown is up to 1.5 m. It develops well in partial shade from buildings and larger trees.Its leaves are dark green, with a shiny surface, elliptical in shape, 15 cm long.
Flowering of the Helsinki variety begins in June, with even young shrubs producing buds. The flowers of the crop are up to 8 cm in size, funnel-shaped, light pink, with red splashes in the upper part. The edges of the petals are wavy. Flowers are collected in 12 - 20 pieces in large inflorescences.
Pekka
A frost-resistant variety of Finnish selection, obtained by specialists from the University of Helsington. Rhododendron of this variety grows intensively, reaching a height of 2 m in 10 years. After this, its development does not stop. The largest shrubs can be up to 3 m. The crown of the crop is round and very dense.
The leaves are dark green, bare. Due to its good foliage, the Pekka variety is used for landscaping parks and squares. Flowering occurs in mid-June and lasts for 2 - 3 weeks. The inflorescences are light pink, with brown specks on the inside.
The Pekka rhododendron variety is frost-resistant and tolerates winter frosts down to -34 °C. The plant prefers partial shade; ideal places for its cultivation are sparse pine forests. In winter, a burlap shelter is built over the bush to retain moisture in the soil.
Hague
The evergreen rhododendron variety Hague is another representative of the Finnish series. The shrub is frost-resistant, grows up to 2 m in height and 1.4 m in width. Its crown has a regular round or pyramidal shape, the shoots are gray, the leaves are dark green and simple.
The Hague variety is valued for its abundant flowering even after a harsh winter. Its flowers are pink in color, collected in inflorescences of 20 pieces.There are red spots on their inside. Rhododendron buds bloom in mid-June, or later in cold weather.
Flowering duration is up to 3 weeks. The variety is frost-resistant and does not freeze out at temperatures down to -36 °C. It grows well in partial shade.
Peter Tigerstedt
The Peter Tigerstedt variety is named after a professor at Helsington University. The scientist was engaged in the cultivation of rhododendrons and the breeding of frost-resistant hybrids. The shrub reaches a height and width of 1.5 m. The density of the crown depends on the light: in the shade it becomes more sparse. The leaves are bare, elongated, dark green.
The buds of the Tigerstedt variety are cream colored. Inflorescences consist of 15 - 20 flowers. The petals are of a white flower, with a dark purple spot on the top. The flowers are funnel-shaped, 7 cm in diameter. Rhododendron blooms in late May and early June. The variety is frost-resistant, not afraid of cold temperatures down to -36 °C.
Hahmans Feuerschein
The frost-resistant variety Hachmans Feuerschein is a wide bush up to 1.2 m high. Rhododendron grows in width, the girth of the bush reaches 1.4 m. The leaves are large, richly colored, with a glossy surface.
The variety is valued for its abundant flowering and decorative appearance. The flowers are dark red and consist of 5 petals. They are collected in large spherical inflorescences and grow at the top of the shoots. Buds appear even on young shrubs. Flowering occurs at the beginning of summer.
The rhododendron variety Hachmans Feuerschein is frost-resistant. Without shelter, the shrub does not freeze out at a temperature of –26 °C. With soil mulching and additional insulation, it can withstand more severe winters.
Roseum Elegance
An ancient frost-resistant hybrid, bred in 1851 in England.The variety has become widespread in cold regions in the northeast of America. The shrub is vigorous, reaching a height of 2 - 3 m. It grows by 15 cm annually. The crown is wide, round in shape, up to 4 m in girth. The shrub does not freeze at temperatures down to -32 °C.
Rhododendron leaves are leathery, oval, rich green in color. The buds bloom in June. The inflorescences are compact, consisting of 12 - 20 flowers. The petals are pink, with a reddish spot, wavy at the edges. Flowers are funnel-shaped, up to 6 cm in size. Stamens are lilac.
Deciduous winter-hardy varieties of rhododendrons
Deciduous rhododendrons lose their leaves during the winter. In autumn they turn yellow or orange. The most frost-resistant hybrids were obtained in the USA and European countries. Most of these varieties tolerate cold temperatures down to -32 °C. Deciduous hybrids survive the winter under cover of dry leaves and peat.
Irena Koster
Frost-resistant rhododendron Irena Koster was obtained in Holland. A shrub up to 2.5 m high. Its average annual growth is 8 cm. The crown is rounded, wide, with a diameter of up to 5.5 m. The leaves are oblong, and in the fall they turn burgundy or yellow.
The flowers of the plant are pink in color, with a yellowish spot, 6 cm in size, and have a strong aroma. They are collected in compact inflorescences of 6 - 12 pieces. The buds bloom in the last days of May. The culture is used for group plantings next to evergreen hybrids. A winter-hardy variety of rhododendron for the Moscow region and the middle zone, it is resistant to frosts down to -24 ° C.
Oxidol
The frost-resistant hybrid was bred in 1947 by English breeders. Shrub up to 2.5 m high. The crown reaches 3 m in girth. The shoots are green with a reddish tint. The branches are erect and grow quickly. Frost resistance is -27 °C. The variety is considered promising for cultivation in the middle zone.
The leaves of rhododendron Oxidol are green; in autumn they turn burgundy and yellowish. The plant blooms at the end of May. The last buds bloom at the end of June with snow-white flowers, wavy at the edges, with a barely noticeable yellow spot. The size of each of them is 6 - 9 cm. They form a round inflorescence
Orchid Lights
Rhododendron Orchid Lights is part of the group of frost-resistant varieties. Plants were obtained from the University of Minnesota. Work on them began in 1930. In addition to this hybrid, American experts have developed other frost-resistant varieties: Rosie Lights, Golden Lights, Candy Lights, etc.
The Otkhid Lights variety is distinguished by its compact size. Its height is up to 0.9 m, width does not exceed 1.2 m. The crown of the plant is round in shape. Its leaves are pointed, flat, green-yellow in color. The flowers are 4.5 cm in size, tubular, with a strong aroma, bloom in mid-May. Their color is light purple, with a yellow spot.
In favorable conditions, rhododendron grows up to 40 years. He rarely gets sick because he is immune to fungal diseases. The hybrid can withstand frosts down to -37 °C. Generative buds are not damaged at a temperature of -42 °C.
Sylphides
Rhododendron Sylphides is part of a group of English varieties developed at the end of the 19th century. Hybrids were obtained from Japanese and American varieties. The Silfides variety is the most frost-resistant representative of the group.
The average height of the plant is 1.2 m, the maximum is 2 m. Its crown is rounded; when blooming, the leaves gradually turn from dark red in color to greenish. The frost resistance of the Silfides variety reaches -32 °C. The culture develops well in partial shade and sunny areas.
Flowers bloom in inflorescences of 8 - 14 pieces. Their flowering period falls in May and June. The funnel-shaped sepals are white with a pinkish tint. At the bottom of the petals there is a yellow round inflorescence. The variety has no aroma.
Gibraltar
Rhododendron variety Gibraltar is a spreading shrub with a dense crown. It reaches 2 m in height and width. The growth rate is average. Young brown leaves gradually become dark green. In autumn they turn crimson and orange. The variety is suitable for growing in the middle zone and the North-West region.
The bush produces numerous bell-shaped flowers. Petals are curved and orange. Flowers grow in groups of 5 - 10 pieces. Each of them reaches 8 cm in girth. Flowering occurs in mid-May and early June.
Nabucco
Rhododendron Nabucco is a deciduous, frost-resistant variety. The flowering shrub has a decorative appearance. Its dimensions reach 2 m. Rhododendron of this variety is spreading, similar to a small tree. Its leaves are collected in groups of 5 at the ends of the shoots. The shape of the leaf blade is ovoid, tapering near the petiole.
The flowers of the plant are bright red, open, and have a faint aroma. Flowering is abundant, begins at the end of May and lasts until mid-June. In autumn the foliage turns yellow-red.The hybrid is frost-resistant and can withstand cold temperatures down to -29 °C.
The Nabucco variety looks impressive when planted alone and in combination with other hybrids. The plant reproduces well by seeds. They are collected in the fall and germinated at home.
Homebush
Homebush rhododendron is a deciduous variety with a medium flowering period. It is a shrub with numerous straight shoots. Its growth rate is average, the plant reaches 2 m in height, has a powerful bush that requires regular pruning.
The bush blooms abundantly, beginning in May or June. The petals are pink, terry, pointed in shape. The inflorescences are spherical, 6 - 8 cm in size. Young leaves turn from bronze to rich green in summer. In autumn they change color to crimson, then to orange.
The hybrid is frost-resistant, can withstand cold temperatures down to -30 °C. It grows without problems in the North-West. In the harsh conditions of the region, the bush blooms annually.
Klondike
The Klondike rhododendron variety was obtained in Germany in 1991. The hybrid received its name in honor of the Klondike region, the center of the gold rush in North America. Rhododendron grows quickly and amazes with abundant flowering.
The flowers are shaped like large bells and have a pleasant aroma. Unopened buds are red with orange vertical stripes. The blooming flowers are golden yellow in color.
The shrub grows well in shady and sunny places. Its petals do not fade in the sun. The variety is frost-resistant and does not freeze at temperatures down to -30 °C.
Semi-deciduous frost-resistant varieties of rhododendrons
Semi-deciduous rhododendrons shed their leaves under unfavorable conditions. When the air temperature rises, the shrubs quickly restore their green mass.For the winter, frost-resistant varieties are covered with dry leaves and spruce branches. A frame is placed on top and non-woven material is attached to it.
Rhododendron Ledeboura
Winter-hardy Ledebur rhododendron grows naturally in the coniferous forests of Altai and Mongolia. A shrub with thin shoots directed upwards, up to 1.5 m high, with dark gray bark, leathery leaves up to 3 cm long. In winter, the foliage curls and opens during thaws. At the beginning of the development of new shoots, it falls off.
Rhododendron Ledebura blooms in May. The buds on it bloom within 14 days. Repeated flowering occurs in autumn. The bush has a decorative appearance. Its flowers are pink-violet in color, up to 5 cm in size. The plant is frost-resistant, little susceptible to diseases and pests. Propagated by seeds, dividing the bush, cuttings.
Rhododendron pukhanski
Frost-resistant pukhan rhododendron is native to Japan and Korea. The shrub forms thickets on mountain slopes or in pine forests. The height of the plant does not exceed 1 m. Its bark is gray, the leaves are dark green, oblong. The flowers are 5 cm in size, very fragrant, with pale purple petals interspersed with brown, blooming 2 - 3 pieces in inflorescences.
The shrub develops slowly. Its annual growth is 2 cm. In one place the plant lives up to 50 years, preferring neutral, moist soils. The frost resistance of the crop is high. For the winter, Pukhkhansky rhododendron needs a light shelter of dry leaves and spruce branches.
Rhododendron Sikhotinsky
Sikhotinsky rhododendron is frost-resistant and decorative. In nature, it grows in the Far East - singly or in groups.Prefers conifer undergrowth, rocks, rocky slopes. The height of the bush is from 0.3 to 3 m. Its shoots are reddish-brown, the leaves are leathery with a pleasant resinous aroma.
During the flowering period, Sikhotinsky rhododendron is almost completely covered with large flowers. They have dimensions of 4 - 6 cm, funnel-shaped, color from pinkish to deep purple. The buds bloom within 2 weeks. In warm autumn, secondary flowering is observed. The plant is frost-resistant and unpretentious. Grows in acidic soil.
Rhododendron is blunt
A frost-resistant variety, found naturally in the mountains of Japan. A plant with a height of 0.5 to 1.5 m with a wide and thick crown. The leaves of the bush are green, elliptical. Blooming in April-May, the flowers are pink, 3-4 cm in size, with a faint aroma and shaped like a funnel. Flowering duration is up to 30 days.
Rhododendron obtuse grows slowly. Over the course of a year, its size increases by 3 cm. The shrub prefers illuminated places, loose, slightly acidic soils, its lifespan is up to 50 years. The plant can withstand frosts down to -25 °C; in winter its branches are bent to the ground and covered with dry leaves.
Vikes Scarlet
Rhododendron variety Vikes Scarlet is a Japanese azalea. The variety was bred in Holland. The shrub grows up to 1.5 m, its crown is sparse, up to 2 m in girth, the leaves are pubescent, elliptical in shape, up to 7 cm long.
The flowers of the shrub are in the shape of a wide funnel, dark carmine in color, up to 5 cm in size. Flowering begins in the last ten days of May and lasts until the middle of the next month. This is ideal for heather gardens and rock gardens. Rhododendron Vikes Scarlet is planted in places protected from the wind.The variety looks advantageous in group plantings.
Ladycaness
Rhododendron variety Ladycanness is a representative of semi-deciduous shrubs. The shoots are located straight. The crown of the azalea is wide and dense. Its flowering occurs in the last ten days of May - early July. The flowers are in the shape of a wide bell, light lilac in color, with purple spots in the upper part. This shade is considered rare for deciduous rhododendrons.
An adult plant reaches a height of 80 cm and a width of 130 cm. It grows well in the middle zone and in the North-West. The bush has increased winter hardiness; it can withstand temperatures down to -27 °C. For the winter, they organize a shelter of dry leaves and peat.
Schneepearl
Rhododendron variety Schneeperl is a representative of semi-deciduous azaleas, which reach a height of no more than 0.5 m. Their crown is rounded, up to 0.55 m in size. Double snow-white flowers bloom from late May to mid-June. The flowering of the bush is very abundant, the plant is strewn with buds.
The Schneeperl variety is frost-resistant and is not afraid of cold temperatures down to -25 °C. Select semi-shaded areas for planting. Under the bright sun, the leaves fade, and the bush develops slowly. For abundant flowering, rhododendron requires moist soil rich in humus.
Conclusion
The frost-resistant varieties of rhododendrons from the photo discussed above are very diverse. For planting in cold climates, evergreen or deciduous hybrids are chosen. They are resistant to temperature changes and tolerate harsh winters well.
