Some azaleas are only suitable for indoor cultivation, while others can easily be left outside in the garden and withstand even the worst of winter. This is because they are different species: The indoor azalea (Rhododendron simsii) comes from the subtropical and tropical regions of Southeast Asia and is therefore not hardy, while the Japanese azalea (Rhododendron japonicum) from its homeland has a climate similar to ours is.
The Japanese Azalea is hardy
Japanese Azalea is hardy
For this reason, unlike the indoor azalea, the Japanese azalea is hardy and can therefore easily be planted out in the garden and overwinter there. However, light winter protection makes sense for young plants in particular, while older specimens are sufficiently hardened.
tips
It only becomes problematic if you cultivate the Japanese azalea in a pot. Since the roots are comparatively unprotected here - because they are surrounded by little protective soil - you should primarily cover the root ball with a garden fleece or similar and place the pot on a base made of polystyrene or wood. Don't forget to water the plant even in winter.