GARDEN CAPSULE
The leaves challenge: of your boxwoods, The rhododendrons often turn brown and hollies and ugly during the winter. The broadleaf solution: evergreens Because continue through their to lose foliage water in winter, make sure that they are watered well before the ground freezes. If a temporary winter thaw occurs, water again.
Don’t apply deicing salts where the runoff will affect these salt-sensitive plants.
For additional insurance, spray the foliage after the soil freezes with an antidesiccant such as Wilt-Pruf. Also known as an antitranspirant, the spray is made from pine resin and forms a clear, glossy film to help preserve moisture in the leaves. Apply the spray when the temperature is expected to remain above freezing for at least two or three hours and no immediate rainfall is expected. Pluses: These products are organic, non-hazardous and biodegradable. One application protects the foliage for three to four months.
You can use the same spray to preserve moisture in evergreen conifers and in the cut greens you’re using for winter decorations indoors and out. This clear spray is a lot more attractive than erecting burlap barriers to protect broadleaf evergreens from drying winds.
Minuses: Be sure to read and follow instructions on the label; spraying plants at the winter rate before they are dormant can cause harm. Some years it can be tricky to find a time to apply the spray when the ground is frozen but the temperature is above freezing long enough for the spray to dry. The spray may cause the color of blue conifers to temporarily fade.
Sources: Anti-desiccant products are widely available at garden centers in a ready-to-use spray bottle or as a concentrate. Wilt-Pruf has a store locator and additional information on using its product at wiltpruf.com.