Protect your hydrangeas: Winter care tips for a blooming spring

Hydrangeas are exceptional plants that can outshine even the queens of gardens—roses. You need to ensure they are properly prepared for the upcoming frost in fall and early winter. The first step is to assess the condition of the plants to ensure there are no signs of disease or pests. If you notice any concerning symptoms, it is worthwhile to apply appropriate protective measures.

It's important to note that hydrangeas tolerate winter differently depending on the species. The garden hydrangea is considered the most demanding, while varieties of panicle hydrangea handle it slightly better. To ensure the shrubs survive, covering them before the first frosts appear is advisable. How can you do this?

Horticultural fleece is a type of fabric that is excellent for protecting plants in the winter. The white variety is the best choice, as it reflects light, preventing the wrapped hydrangeas from overheating while allowing sunlight to reach them. Before wrapping the shrubs, water them generously—hydrangeas like to feel moisture, even in the winter months. After watering, you can start wrapping; the process begins from the top of the plant downwards, ensuring the shrub is not exposed to snow or rain.

In the fall, potassium-phosphorus fertilizers should be used for hydrangeas to support the shoots' lignification, increasing their frost resistance. It is also recommended to avoid nitrogen fertilizers, as they could lead to excessive growth of new shoots during this time.

A key aspect of hydrangea care during the winter is their protection against frost. The best method is mounding, which involves covering the base of the shrubs with soil or organic mulch. This protects the roots from freezing and helps retain moisture in the soil, which is essential during the winter months.

For hydrangeas, using a homemade fertilizer that encourages growth and will cover the bush with flowers in the season is beneficial. This involves a coffee grounds fertilizer. You only need to mix warm water with a few tablespoons of coffee grounds. Let the mixture sit for a while so the grounds swell. Then, mix the ingredients thoroughly and water the hydrangeas with the resulting solution once every two weeks.