Preparing hydrangeas for winter: Tips to protect your blooms
Hydrangeas, among the most popular ornamental plants in gardens, require special care during the autumn and winter months. Discover how to prepare these shrubs for frost to ensure their beauty in the coming season.
Hydrangeas are exceptional plants that can even outshine the traditional queens of the garden – roses. Autumn and early winter are crucial times for preparing them for the approaching frost. The initial step is to assess the plants' condition to ensure there are no signs of disease or pests. If alarming symptoms are detected, it’s advisable to apply appropriate protective measures.
It’s important to note that, depending on the species, hydrangeas differ in their winter resilience. The garden hydrangea is considered the most demanding, while panicle hydrangea varieties tend to fare better. To help the shrubs survive, it's wise to cover them before the first frosts hit. How should this be done?
Plant fleece – a hydrangea's ally
Plant fleece is an excellent material for protecting plants in winter. White fleece is the best choice because it reflects light, preventing the covered hydrangeas from overheating, while still allowing sunlight through. Before wrapping the shrubs, water them generously – hydrangeas appreciate moisture, even in winter. After watering, begin wrapping from the top of the plant downwards to prevent exposure to snow or rain.
In autumn, use potassium-phosphorus fertilisers on hydrangeas, as they support shoot lignification, enhancing frost resistance. Avoid nitrogen fertilisers during this period, as they may promote excessive growth of new shoots.
Next step – mounding
An essential aspect of hydrangea care in winter is protecting them from frost. The optimal method is mounding, which involves piling soil or organic mulch around the base of the shrubs. This protects the roots from freezing and helps retain moisture in the soil, crucial for the winter months.
The power of coffee
It is beneficial for hydrangeas to use a homemade tonic that stimulates growth and encourages abundant flowering during the season. This involves using coffee grounds. Simply mix warm water with a few tablespoons of these grounds, allowing them to swell. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and use the resulting tonic to water the hydrangeas once every two weeks.
