The plants become more widespread and productive as you move further south, into Zone 6 and beyond. Youll want to find a spot that gets plenty of indirect sunlight, such as a south-facing windowsill. How much of the leaves are wilted or discolored? The base of the plant (where the stem meets the soil) should be level with the top of the planting hole. National Garden . Apply a thick layer of mulch around the plants base to offer hydrangeas the best chance of flourishing. Paniculata types are larger with conical flowers, great for mixed borders or hedges. These types of hydrangeas are not cold hardy and can be damaged by frost. While decorative mulch is useful, straw, marsh hay, or dead leaves are suggested instead. These issues cause the plants cellular structure to break apart. If a period of prolonged severe cold is expected, cover the plants for a few days. But there are many other things to note around your plant: foliage develops red accents, buds are dry and develop slightly darkened bodies, and portions of the plant are wilted. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. But in the real world, temperatures as low as 12 degrees and late fall or early spring freezes may reduce the flowering capability of this hydrangea. The good news is that hydrangeas are generally hardy plants and can withstand some cold weather. You should prune all unhealthy stems, leaves, and blooms back to the portion of the plant that looks healthy. Soil that has used up too many nutrients can become "thin" and will make plants more vulnerable to winter damage. Learn how to care for hydrangeas with these helpful garden hints. It takes time for the plant to recover after you prune its spots. A mix of used coffee grounds and wood ash is also fine. To protect hydrangeas from spring frost, you should cover them with a sheet or frost protection fabric at night when temperatures drop below freezing. Snow or evergreen boughs are great options to provide additional protection. In most cases, protecting these plants also involves leaving the old growth during the winter, which can contribute to the winters visual appeal. Add a string or other securing feature around the covering to keep it in place. Be patient; you dont have to do things early simply because your neighbors are. 7. They may even lose some of their color. In some cases, frost bitten plants can be saved by providing them with appropriate care. Wrap the entire shrub, taking care not to break any branches, and secure gently but firmly with twine, clips and/or duct tape. Add mulch and compost around your Hydrangeas before the winter. Required fields are marked *. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. You can also use a specially designed Frost Cover like this one: https://www.gardenersedge.com/frost-cover-p1231/. We recommend pine straw, oak leaves or wood mulch. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should cover your hydrangeas when the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They are covered in elongated, conical flower heads that emerge white or green and blush into pinks and peaches as the season goes on. Find Nancys writing and recipes at her website: Hungry Enough To Eat Six. Effectively, a hydrangea should be able to sustain a temperature of minus-10 degrees. There are five main types of hydrangea: These all have varying degrees of winter hardiness, so it's crucial to know their growing zone limits and their potential vulnerability in winter weather. Paniculata and smoothleaf hydrangeas are generally very cold hardy, as are oakleaf hydrangeas and climbing hydrangeas, so these varieties don't usually need additional winter protection. And finally, if possible, bring them indoors or into a garage during especially cold nights. Will your beautiful shrubs ever be back to normal? Hardier hydrangea varieties like the paniculata and arborescens dont often require additional winter care, although really low temperatures might cause its limbs to die back. Keep watering them to ensure they dont prematurely run out of water. If your hydrangeas are exposed to too much frost, you may need to prune away damaged branches or cut back the plant completely.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'remodelormove_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_17',158,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); To protect hydrangeas from frost, it is important to cover them with a layer of mulch, as well as ensuring that the plants are well hydrated before winter arrives. However, if the temperatures are expected to dip below freezing, its a good idea to take some precautions. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Another is to turn on your hose to a slow trickle. The best way to protect your hydrangeas from the cold is to water them well before the first frost and then let them go dormant for the winter. One question we get a lot at the nursery is When should I cover my hydrangeas? Additionally, portions of the stems may crack or break. Just make sure to do all of the aforementioned things, including watering and mulching. Hydrangeas do best in moist soil and can wilt in hot weather, so keep well-watered during hot spells in summer. Burlap and used blankets are more options. What temperature should I cover my hydrangeas? Generally, hydrangeas can tolerate temperatures down to -20F (-29C), however, some hydrangea varieties, like Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia), Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) and Chinese Snowball Viburnum (Viburnum macrocephalum), will prefer warmer climates and can survive down to 0F (-18C). As a genus, hydrangeas are hardy in USDA hardiness zones 3-7. If you find portions that are dead, those can be the first to go. Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. The roots will also be damaged and may not be able to regrow the plant. Use spray deer repellents monthly or cover with burlap. So what should you do? They come in a variety of colors and their big, bold blooms are sure to make a statement in any garden. Once those buds are trimmed off, there is little hope of new blooms this year, but they should be fine by the following spring. In general, anything above 80 degrees Fahrenheit is too hot for them. The hydrangea plant is a familiar sight to almost everyone. Your email address will not be published. Its time to return the favor now. Before you get to work on your Hydrangea, youll want to check to see how far the damage goes. Composting your hydrangea beds in the fall will give them a boost for the upcoming growing season. This will help ensure the hydrangea will regrow come the spring!. Although hardy in most climates, certain varieties of hydrangeas may require additional precautions in colder climates or may not survive in freezing conditions at all. Q: What do I do now that freezing weather has taken its toll? However, some varieties can handle more sun, especially in northern areas. These additions add acidity and alkalinity to the soil, respectively, and adding both together helps balance the soil pH levels, as well as feeds the soil with organic nutrients. Winter protection is not required in zone 7 if the air temperature stays above zero degrees. If youre not sure which type of hydrangea you have, a good rule of thumb is to cover them if theyre blooming or if they have new growth. Macrophylla varieties, on the other hand, such as Annabelle and Mophead, are not as hardy and will benefit from being covered in frosty weather. Additionally, it is important to try and water the ground around the plant to create a barrier between the soil and the cold air outside. Fortunately for you, the answer is usually yes. This is a pretty broad range, but they do grow happily throughout most of the United States. Yes, you should cover your hydrangeas for any spring freeze. Hydrangeas growing in pots can be brought indoors for the winter, either inside your home or in a garage to prevent freezing temperatures from shocking them. If youre not sure which type of Hydrangea you have, read this article which will help you distinguish if your Hydrangea blooms on old or new wood. These late blooming hydrangeas, sometimes known as PeeGee hydrangeas (summer into early fall). According to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, covering hydrangea plants with burlap or mulching them with leaves or straw can help keep them safe over the winter. Wrap or totally cover barely hardy hydrangeas in chilly areas. The sunshade is necessary only during hot, dry weather and doesn't have to remain in the garden for the entire summer. The leaves may also suffer damage, but they will usually recover once the temperatures warm up again. Harsh drying winds, both in summer and winter, stress hydrangea plants. (Is pruning in order? Kathleen Miller is a highly-regarded Master Gardener and Horticulturist who shares her knowledge of sustainable living, organic gardening, farming, and landscape design. 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. For even greater protection, cover the shrub with a wire cage, or build a cage around it . and When? This is how: Before laying down mulch in colder climates, top dress the area with compost, well-aged manure, or other organic material after the ground has frozen. Many people wrap their plants to insulate them. Dont prune away stems that will bloom. Remove the covering as soon as the temperatures begin to warm during the daytime, otherwise the plants may overheat under their covering. How to protect hydrangeas from winter cold and wind can seem labor-intensive. Bark, compost and leaf mold work well because they also add organic matter to the soil as they decompose. Covering your hydrangeas will provide an extra layer of protection. However, if there is still a chance of frost in your area, it is best to wait until after the last frost date to put them out. Hydrangeas that bloom on new wood may indeed bloom this year. It is important to not uncover them too soon, as the cold temperature can damage or kill the buds. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Additionally, in areas where winter temperatures are below 0F it is also recommended to mulch and provide a windbreak to the shrubs in order to protect them. It is possible for frost bitten plants to come back, but it depends on how severe the frost bite was and which type of plant it is. The flowers have a large center cone surrounded by four to five smaller petals. Be careful not to snap off the ends of the branches as you fill the cage or all will be for naught, and you wont have those gorgeous blooms next summer. Thankfully, the plants roots are hardy enough to last through intense cold. Remember to time this effort when youre confident that the weather will stay warm for a while. Only the macrophylla hydrangeas change color based on soil acidity. Copyright 2023 SmileySprouts | Privacy Policy. Protect your in-ground hydrangea in winter by making a frame around the plant using stakes. Hydrangeas can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but they prefer cooler weather. Also, be sure to sterilize the blades between cuts to prevent the spread of disease. Or move the pots to a sheltered location and surround with bales of hay, mulch or . This structure needs to allow air to circulate. Follow these steps to prune hydrangeas correctly. This is because the roots are confined to a smaller space and have less access to moisture. When temperatures begin to warm up in the spring it is time to uncover hydrangeas. You can use anything from twigs to 2-by-2-inch lumber . Wrap up warm. It is best to cover your hydrangeas in temperatures that are below 16 C (3 F) or above 32 C (90 F). Place a few inches of compost (not fertilizer) around the plant in late fall or early winter or after the ground freezes to supply nutrients in the spring. Wrap or totally cover barely hardy hydrangeas in chilly areas. Water less often During the winter months, your plants will need less water than they do during the warmer months. . A top-dressing of compost or composted manure makes a perfect meal for your hydrangea to digest over the long winter season. If the issue is not fixed, the plant will cease developing and develop a fungus infection. Extreme cold weather can cause damage to both the leaves and flowers of a Hydrangea. Avoid areas that are subject to strong winds or direct sunlight for long periods of time. Preventing winter kill in hydrangeas is a matter of protecting the shrubs, including their nascent buds, from winter's wrath. 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