Baby, It's Cold Outside

When I woke up this morning it was only 14 degrees Fahrenheit outside (that's before you factor in the wind chill).  Fresh out of our warm beds, the pups and I bundled up and braved the cold for a quick morning walk. On our way back, I noticed how frozen the Rhododendrons looked. Their leaves were drooping and curled up like extra long spinach ziti.  

I remembered reading that broad-leafed evergreen leaves curl up in freezing weather to conserve moisture. Rhododendrons are like living thermometers. Just below 40 degrees, the leaves start to droop but are still flat. At freezing, the leaves begin to curl and when the temps drop below 20 degrees, the leaves squeeze together as tight as they can. That's what I witnessed this morning. 

Although an interesting horticultural phenomenon, this outdoor temp indicator isn't necessarily the most useful tool (unless your TV, radio, internet or weather app stops working). But if a winter storm knocks your power out, let your Rhododendron provide you with the morning forecast.  Droopy leaves call for a nice warm coat. Add gloves and a hat when the leaves start to curl.  And when the leaves look like long green ziti, take off your outerwear and remain inside where it's warm.

Tightly curled leaves say the temps outside are 20 degrees or below