I have read and seen different oppinions on overwintering satsuki azaleas so many different opinions I have my two currently on a coverd porch it has been cold here for a few nights so I put both of them closer to the house where the north wind cant get to them I have also placed two glass screens in front of them is it o.k. to leave them where they are at over the winter or should I take them both inside my unheated garage over the winter? I have heard they have to always have some air no matter how cold it gets. I need help in figuring out what I should do I am trying to keep them as healthy as I know how so that someday when my daughters are bigger I can give the trees to them as a gift from me.
Jim,
S. central KY is a fairly moderate climate with not very often having deep cold swings. It looks like zones 6a,b for you, maybe a bit higher? . I'd think you would have no trouble keeping your azaleas in either spot you mention, or, maybe moving them from the protected porch into the garage if a serious cold snap happens to come your way. I'm not a fan of keeping trees in a garage except as last resort. Have you thought of building a small poly house in a protected area ( or, on your porch)?
I live in zone 5 NE Ohio and for many years now I've overwintered my satsuki in my UNHEATED greenhouse by using styrofoam boxes. I punch some holes in bottom. Put in some mulch. put in potted tree. Back fill over the pot with mulch. They get watered a few times during winter and more often as spring warms before I get them out. I have not lost a satsuki in many years and we often go to zero or below . Just the other night it was a RECORD of 14 degrees here! Amazing a week before Thanksgiving!
You can get the boxes at aquarium shops ( my favorites, fish are shipped in them)) , fruit mailing companies , hospitals or even cheap coolers.
Here are some pictures.
The last picture is a cold frame box. It is fairly easy to build. It is treated wood, sets below ground about 6" and has gravel base. Top folds up and is plexiglass. It's lined inside with styrofoam. I keep my mame/shohin touchy things in there and rarely ever lose anything.
I hope I've helped you a bit.
D.