Even though hydrangeas are pretty tough when it comes to the cold, they still need a little extra TLC to make it through the winter—especially if you’re growing them in containers. If you want your hydrangeas to bounce back beautifully in the spring, here’s how to get them ready for the big chill.
Prepping Your Hydrangeas in the Fall
Before the first frost hits, the first rule of thumb is to stop fertilizing. You want to encourage your hydrangea to head into its natural dormant phase. By cutting off the “food” supply, the plant stops putting energy into new green growth and focuses on hardening off its existing branches. This makes the tips of the stems much more resilient to freezing temps. It’s also a great time to snip off any dead or diseased wood. Getting rid of those sickly branches now prevents pests and diseases from hitching a ride into next season.
For younger plants, I highly recommend spreading a layer of bark mulch over the root zone. Think of it like a cozy winter blanket; it provides natural insulation that keeps the roots from freezing solid. Some gardeners prefer to do a radical pruning at this stage so the plant can focus entirely on its roots, but keep in mind that if you cut it back hard, it’ll take a bit longer to wake up and fill out once spring arrives.
Protecting Potted Hydrangeas
If your hydrangea is living in a pot, it’s a bit more vulnerable. The soil in a container freezes much faster than the ground does, so you’ve got to protect the pot itself. A pro tip is to wrap the outside of the planter in horticultural fleece or burlap. This creates a buffer that keeps the biting wind from penetrating the pot. Don’t forget to top the soil with some mulch, too.
Here are the best materials to use:
- Bark mulch
- Horticultural fleece or burlap
- Evergreen brush or twigs
Alternatively, you can layer some evergreen brush over the soil surface to keep the roots snug. When it comes to watering, only grab the watering can on days when the temperature is above freezing. This ensures the plant can actually drink the water before it turns to ice, and it prevents root rot from setting in on sunny days. If you’re worried about a particularly brutal winter, you can always move your potted plants into a cool, dark spot like a basement or garage until spring.
