Hydrangea winter care

The hydrangea is a plant that can survive through winter and is not sensitive to low temperatures or even a freeze. However, it can happen with tub plants, that the soil will completely freeze. Branches and buds can dry out because of poor weather, the poor weather ensures that the roots no longer supply moisture. You can prevent this by protection the hydrangea. How do you protect hydrangeas in winter? You will find out in this article and more! 

Hydrangeas winter care

If you take good care of the hydrangea during winter, the plant will have more and prettier blooms. During the winter the hydrangea is a little bit more sensitive than during the warmer months. Firstly, cutting back the hydrangea for winter is the best thing to do. This way, the hydrangea doesn't give unnecessary energy to the dead branches. After cutting back the hydrangea, you will have to protect it. 

Cutting back hydrangea for winter

Before you start protecting your hydrangea for winter, you will have to cut the hydrangea back. The first thing you have to do for hydrangea winter care is to cut away dead wood the plant has produced. Also, weak or even dead branches should be cut away. You must do this before it starts to freeze. Otherwise, the open wounds of the cutting can freeze and this could damage your beautiful hydrangea. 

Protect hydrangeas in winter: a step-by-step plan

To prevent the roots from no longer supplying moisture, you should wrap your hortensia in winter. To make it easier for you, we provide you with a step-by-step plan on how to protect your hydrangea in winter. Protecting the hydrangea during winter is not always necessary. But if you just planted the hydrangea, you will have to protect it to get through the first winter! If you follow these steps, the hydrangea will have even more beautiful blooms. 

Necessities: 

• Wood
• Bubble wrap or non-woven cloth
• Mulch
• Chicken wire

1. Do you live in an area where a lot of snow is falling in winter? Then you should build a strong frame around your hydrangea. The frame can't rest on the branches, because if the snow gets too heavy, the trunk could snap! Do you have winters where there is not a lot of snow or no snow falling at all? Then it is no problem if the frame is resting on the branches. 
2. The chicken wire is used to build a cage with the frame. 
3. This 'cage' should be filled with mulch to keep the hydrangea warm. 
4. It is best to protect the hydrangea around November, but it depends on where you live. 

Preparing hydrangea for winter: starting in fall

To make sure your hydrangea gets an energy boost out of winter, you should start preparing in fall. In fall you should add some compost to the soil. This will ensure that your plants have enough nutrients during spring. The layer should be about 2-3 centimeters thick. Try using a rake to spread the compost. Is it already freezing during fall? That is no problem! Just add the compost on top of the frozen ground and it will break down when the ground defrosts. During late fall you should water the hydrangeas more often than normal. Around 3 times a week will be enough for the hydrangea to survive through the winter. This will give the plants extra moisture during the colder months.

Good luck with the hydrangea winter care! If you have any tips or tricks to share with us, we would love to hear from you. Hope to see you again at Goodgardn!