How to Prepare Hydrangeas for Winter: A Comprehensive Guide
Protecting Your Precious Flower Buds
Hydrangeas are beloved flowering shrubs that add beauty to our landscapes from summer to fall. However, if you live in a region with cold winters, it’s crucial to take steps to protect your hydrangeas from the harsh conditions. This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about winterizing hydrangeas, ensuring they thrive and bloom profusely in the seasons to come.
Why Winterize Hydrangeas?
Winterizing hydrangeas is necessary if:
- You live north of the recommended zone range for your hydrangea variety.
- You want to protect flower buds from winter’s cold.
Types of Hydrangeas
Different types of hydrangeas have varying needs for winter protection.
- Hydrangeas that bloom on old wood: These include bigleaf hydrangeas (H. macrophylla) and lacecap hydrangeas (H. paniculata). They require protection for their flower buds, which are formed on the previous year’s branches.
- Hydrangeas that bloom on new wood: These include smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens) and panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata). They do not need special winter protection for flowering.
Basic Winter Protection
Even if your hydrangeas don’t require extensive protection, there are two basic steps you can take:
- Deep watering: Give your hydrangeas a thorough soaking in late fall to help them withstand the dry conditions of winter.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around your hydrangeas after the soil freezes to insulate and retain moisture.
Building a Burlap Shelter
For bigleaf hydrangeas and other varieties that require additional protection, a burlap shelter is an effective solution.
Materials:
- Burlap
- Chicken wire
- 4 sturdy poles
- Twist-ties and twine
Instructions:
- Construct the frame: Drive four poles into the ground around your hydrangea and stretch chicken wire between them. Extend the wire at least 6 inches above the top of the bush.
- Secure the chicken wire: Use twist-ties to attach the chicken wire to the poles.
- Secure the burlap: Tie burlap to the outside of the chicken wire using twine.
- Optional protection: For extra insulation, pack dried leaves around the plant and cover the top of the frame with another piece of burlap. You can also add bubble wrap outside the frame.
Winter Maintenance
- Regularly inspect the shelter for damage and make repairs as needed.
- Take advantage of thaws to irrigate the shrub if the ground is not frozen.
- Check for pest damage and adjust pest-control measures accordingly.
- Remove any damaged branches due to snow or ice.
Additional Tips
- Choose the right location: Plant hydrangeas in a sheltered area that receives morning sun and afternoon shade.
- Prune correctly: Avoid pruning hydrangeas that bloom on old wood in fall, as this will remove the flower buds for the next season.
- Fertilize in spring: Apply a balanced fertilizer to your hydrangeas in early spring to promote healthy growth and flowering.
- Water regularly: Hydrangeas need consistent watering, especially during hot and dry weather.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your hydrangeas survive the winter and continue to bring beauty to your landscape for many years to come.