For the most part, hydrangeas are pretty tough cookies when it comes to winter. However, there are a few situations where your plants might need a little extra TLC to survive the chill. By keeping an eye on their natural growth cycle and taking a few simple precautions, you can make sure your hydrangeas get their beauty sleep and come back stronger than ever in the spring.
When to Step In and Help
When it comes to winter prep, size and location matter. A mature hydrangea planted directly in the ground usually handles winter like a pro without much help. But if you’ve got a young, newly planted shrub, its winter hardiness hasn’t fully kicked in yet. The same goes for hydrangeas in pots—they’re much more vulnerable because the frost can freeze the root ball solid much faster than it would in the ground.
Here’s how to keep your potted hydrangeas cozy:
- Wrap the outside of the pot in burlap or garden fleece.
- Add a thick layer of mulch to the top of the soil.
- Move the pot to a spot that’s shielded from harsh winds.
- Only water on days when the temperature is above freezing.
If you’re worried about the outdoor elements, you can also overwinter your potted hydrangeas in a basement. Just make sure the room is cool, well-ventilated, and not too dry so the plant can hit its natural dormant state. If you leave them outside, remember to water them only on frost-free days. And definitely skip the fertilizer until spring—they don’t need the extra energy while they’re resting!
Put the Pruners Away in the Fall
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is pruning too early. Resist the urge to cut back your plants in the fall! Leave those withered hydrangea blooms right where they are. Not only do they look surprisingly beautiful covered in a dusting of snow or frost, but they actually act as a natural insulation for the new buds forming underneath.
Wait until spring to prune away the old flowers and any dried-out stems. Use a sharp, clean pair of garden shears and trim the dry bits back until you hit healthy, green wood. Your hydrangea will start pushing out new growth from those spots. If a stem is completely dead and brittle, go ahead and cut it all the way back to the base.
