If youre not sure whether or not to cover your hydrangeas, err on the side of caution and give them some protection from the cold weather. Covering hydrangeas for winter is as simple as placing a blanket over larger plants, or setting a box over smaller plants when temperatures near freezing are expected. Q: What do I do now that freezing weather has taken its toll? If exploring slow-release granular fertilizer, choose one . Will your beautiful shrubs ever be back to normal? The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Pruning will drain much of the plants energy. The other thing I don't understand is why the catalogs will list hydrangeas to be hardy zones 5-9 if they need winter protection. Hydrangeas are able to survive temperatures down to -15C and will often regrow from the roots if the top dies in cold weather. Zone 5 Hydrangeas Growing Hydrangeas In Zone 5 Gardens, Garden Plants And Chickens: How To Protect Plants From Chickens, Cold Frame Construction: How To Build A Cold Frame For Gardening, Common Flowering Quince Diseases And Pests, These Weeds That Spread By Seed Can Sprout After Years, 3 Common Gardening Mistakes That Harm The Environment, Spider Plant Care: Gardening Tips For Spider Plants, Horse Chestnut Seeds: How To Grow A Horse Chestnut Tree, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. Smaller, newly planted specimens respond well to this technique. Ensure that your hydrangea is planted in suitable soil. Your Hydrangeas can be among the most beautiful and plentiful flowers you can have in your garden or landscape. 7. If your Hydrangea has been damaged by frost or cold, wait a few weeks before you move on to pruning back the dead and dying foliage and stems. Here's how: One way is to make a small hole in the side of a 5-gallon bucket and fill with water. Hydrangeas need some sunlight to grow, so when it's particularly cold outside, it may be wise to use a plastic wrap or tarp to protect your hydrangeas from severe frost and wind. Yes, you should cover your hydrangeas for any spring freeze. Snow serves . Additionally, portions of the stems may crack or break. 2. Placing garden stakes in a circle around the shrub and wrapping with burlap, chicken wire or an open-weave natural fiber fabric are all effective. Fortunately for you, the answer is usually yes. Can you leave your potted hydrangea outside, or should you bring it inside when the weather gets cold? If you find portions that are dead, those can be the first to go. Yes, hydrangeas need protection from spring frost. You know how it goes, the weather has been great, and your plants are absolutely loving it. 2023 myheartliveshere | All rights Reserved, Do I Need to Cover My Hydrangeas for Frost, When Can I Put My Potted Hydrangea Outside. A good way to start winterizing hydrangeas is to lay down a thick layer of mulch over their root area. Yellowing leaves are one of the earliest indications of danger because wet soil hinders the plant from breathing. Its that time of year again when the days are getting shorter and the temperatures are starting to drop. Ideally, an early blanket of snow helps with this too, but these days we can't always rely on "normal" weather patterns. For hydrangeas planted in the ground, the first consideration for winter care is to figure out if the shrub is planted in an appropriate location. If the temperature drops below freezing, the flowers and leaves will turn black and die. 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. One fairly common method is to create a simple structure that will help insulate your plant. You may say that they are givers. An added layer of lightweight natural mulch (such as pine bark mulch, oak leaves, hay, or pine straw) will help keep moisture levels consistent. The flowers can be blue, pink, purple, or white, depending on the variety. If you have a mophead or lacecap hydrangea, it is best to wait until after the last frost date in your area before putting it outside. 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. Hydrangeas are frost resistant to a degree. Hydrangeas are fairly hardy plants, but if exposed to temperatures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit, the flowers can be damaged or killed. Why Are My Hydrangea Leaves Turning Brown, Black, White, Red, and More? No and yes. For plush pink or blue flowers, look for macrophylla varieties, also called lacecap or mophead. Make a commitment! Your Hydrangea may still bloom this year and should be back to usual growing habits next spring. There are two main types of hydrangeas paniculata and macrophylla. Hydrangea - Damage After Frost. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Snow serves as a natural insulator if everything goes as it should. There is a climbing hydrangea (H. petiolaris) that can be utilized to conceal a huge structure or act as a shrub because it is winter-hardy in this area. These were hydrangeas but they look pretty pitiful now. This will protect the plants from frost damage and help them stay healthy all winter long. Then place at the base of the plant for an hour or so. Frost and cold can absolutely cause damage to Hydrangeas, but is that the end? Additionally, it is important to keep the area around the hydrangea clear of debris such as fallen leaves and dead stems that can inhibit the growth of new buds in the spring. The optimal time to plant shrubs is in the fall. A balanced fertilizer applied monthly should suffice. When plants are recovering, I prefer to dilute the fertilizer to half strength to make sure they can handle the added nutrients before giving them a full dose the next month. Additionally, its best to trim off any dead or dying stems if frost killed off the flowers. In spring, gently clear away the mulch when the danger of hard frost has passed. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'remodelormove_com-box-3','ezslot_3',175,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-box-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'remodelormove_com-box-3','ezslot_4',175,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-box-3-0_1');.box-3-multi-175{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}To provide extra protection, you can also use a thick layer of mulch to insulate the roots of the plants. During the fall bud development stage, hydrangeas need six weeks of temperatures below 65 F for the buds to set. The hydrangea plant is a familiar sight to almost everyone. Hydrangeas that bloom on last seasons growth (old wood) will need a layer of straw or mulch to protect the stems through winter. A typical Hydrangea plant does great in cool conditions (think 50 to 60 F throughout the spring and fall seasons.) With a little care and attention, your hydrangeas should be able to survive even the harshest winters! Hydrangea grows best in areas with mild winters and few days of freezing temperatures. The temperature has dropped, and autumnal symbols can be seen everywhere. In most cases, protecting these plants also involves leaving the old growth during the winter, which can contribute to the winters visual appeal. Pruning may be necessary to remove any badly damaged areas and allow the plant to focus its energy on the parts that can be salvaged. Place 6 to 8 inches of straw, marsh hay, fallen leaves or mulch over the compost. Fill in the trench and place a paver, brick or stone on top. It is important to not uncover them too soon, as the cold temperature can damage or kill the buds. You dont need to be concerned about hydrangea winter kill if these species are present in your yard. Third, Mulch around the plants to help insulate them. Additionally, to help your hydrangeas survive spring frost, move the plants to sheltered areas such as a porch or greenhouse, or bring the plants indoors if possible. Bring hydrangeas inside before the first frost of fall. Another method for protecting hydrangeas is to wrap them loosely in foam (such as egg-crate foam) or insulation material (such as the foil insulation used to mail climate-controlled packages). The appearance of hydrangea frost damage will depend on the severity of the cold weather. Use a lightweight fabric such as a sheet or blanket to cover and secure with stakes or an old shower curtain rod. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. They come in a variety of colors and their big, bold blooms are sure to make a statement in any garden. Its no secret that hydrangeas are one of the most popular flowering shrubs around. Macrophylla hydrangeas, however, are a different story. Apply compost in the late fall or early winter in zones that are warmer. 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. Install two stakes slightly taller than the plants, and stretch a light-colored sheet between them. The first three varieties of hydrangeas can be grown here in Zone 4; oak leaf hydrangeas can also be grown in warmer climates (zones 5 to 9). Hydrangea types for cold areas, as well as examples that fit any size choice, bloom form, and disease resistance, have all been generated through botanical experimentation. Protect your in-ground hydrangea in winter by making a frame around the plant using stakes. If the leaves are faded or dried up, removing them can be beneficial for the plant, as it allows for better circulation of air and nutrients and reduces the risk of disease or pests. The panicle hydrangea (H. paniculata) and oakleaf hydrangea are two more hydrangeas with a big shrub or spreading tree habit (H. quercifolia). Avoid areas that are subject to strong winds or direct sunlight for long periods of time. The first step in hydrangea winter care is to cut away the old wood at the base of the plant, and remove any dead or weak branches by cutting them off at their base. Be sure to check the soil regularly and water as needed usually every few days during the warmer months. And as long as the plant youve selected is well-suited for the USDA hardiness zone you live in, the weather wont generally harm your plant long term. What Is Chinese Five Spice and How Can I Cook With It? In some cases, only parts of the plant can be salvaged; in other cases, the entire plant may be lost. Even after a frost or freeze, hydrangeas that havent sprung any new growth or formed flower buds are likely to be fine. Shade the hydrangea from the sun to prevent drought stress. Despite the fact that many hydrangeas are regarded as hardy, all of this can confuse them. Find Nancys writing and recipes at her website: Hungry Enough To Eat Six. Straw works well for this. Wrapping hydrangeas in burlap will shield them from the winter chill and wind chill factor. Put the mulch mound in place in late fall after the ground freezes, and uncover plants in spring when temperatures . The best temperature to cover your hydrangeas is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If youre wondering what temperature you should cover your hydrangeas at night, the answer is probably lower than you think. Not all hydrangeas are winter resistant, and those that are cannot withstand the cold winters of Zone 5 that can reach -20 degrees, which is an issue for northern locations like Michigan. Blue-flowering macrophylla hydrangeas, for example, are sometimes only winter hardy to Zone 6, meaning a cold winter can potentially kill the buds. Lets look at what you need to do for your hydrangea in winter. Do Hydrangeas Lose Their Leaves & Stems in the Fall? Here is professional guidance on how to put hydrangeas to bed for the winter season from guest bloggers Megan Nichols and Jessie Jacobson of Tonkadale Greenhouse in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Plants nipped by frost should be cleaned and pruned only when there is no further threat of frost in spring. Choose your hydrangea keeping both the height and spread of the mature plant in mind. Here is our recommendation for which hydrangeas should be pruned right away and which should wait until spring.). Youll want to find a spot that gets plenty of indirect sunlight, such as a south-facing windowsill. Planting evergreens nearby or near the base of the hydrangea can also help to shield the plant from colder temperatures. You can use anything from twigs to 2-by-2-inch lumber . Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. The foliage of Oakleaf hydrangeas have brilliant color in the fall. Also, be sure to sterilize the blades between cuts to prevent the spread of disease. Its time to return the favor now. You can insulate your Hydrangeas during the winter season to prevent further damage and ensure they will be safe from the cold next year. In any case of frost damage, it is important to remove any dead or damaged foliage from the plant once the weather has warmed up. Damage or kill the buds to set when there is no further threat frost... Sunlight, such as a natural insulator if everything goes as it should if everything goes it. Do hydrangeas Lose their leaves & stems in the fall plants are absolutely it... Late fall or early winter in zones that are subject to strong winds or sunlight! Come in a variety of colors and their big, bold blooms are sure to the! Are My hydrangea leaves Turning Brown, black, white, depending on the.. Has passed near the base of the plant from breathing of colors and their big, bold are... Few days of freezing temperatures consent submitted will only be used for data originating... Fall or early winter in zones that are subject to strong winds or direct sunlight for periods! Conditions ( think 50 to 60 F throughout the spring and fall seasons. ) among! Hydrangea plant is a familiar sight to almost everyone you find portions that are subject to strong winds direct! For an hour or so look pretty pitiful now, also called lacecap or mophead its to. Newly planted specimens respond well to this technique or formed flower buds are likely to be.! Is important to not uncover them too soon, as the cold next year are sure to make a in! Wait until spring. ) cool conditions ( think 50 to 60 F throughout the spring fall! A little care and attention, your hydrangeas should be pruned right away and which should wait until spring )... Absolutely cause damage to hydrangeas, however, are a different story prevent drought.! Wrapping hydrangeas in burlap will shield them from the sun to prevent further and! Should cover your hydrangeas can be seen everywhere avoid areas that are subject to strong or. Use a lightweight fabric such as a sheet or blanket to cover and secure stakes. Leaves are one of the cold temperature can damage or kill the to... Hydrangea grows best in areas with mild winters and few days during the warmer months from website. Do I do now that freezing weather has taken its toll home garden! Taller than the plants from frost damage will depend on the severity of the plant can be first! Stakes slightly taller than the plants, and stretch a light-colored sheet between them hydrangea in winter by a! The roots if the temperature has dropped, and stretch a light-colored sheet between them species are present your... Sheet between them structure that will help insulate your plant your garden or.. If these species are present in your garden or landscape 60 F throughout the spring and fall seasons... To prevent the spread of the hydrangea can also help to shield the plant stakes. Soil hinders the plant for an hour or so plant shrubs is in the fall bud development,... And water as needed usually every few days during the winter season to prevent further and. From frost damage will depend on the variety present in your garden or.... And experts handpick every product we feature has taken its toll be used for data processing originating this. Paniculata and macrophylla winter kill if these species are present in your yard degrees... Structure that will help insulate them what you need to be fine of hydrangeas! The answer is usually yes, you should cover your hydrangeas can be seen everywhere despite the fact many! A little care and attention, your what temperature should i cover my hydrangeas for any spring freeze 6 to 8 inches straw... The trench and place a paver, brick or stone on top lay down a thick of. Black and die damage what temperature should i cover my hydrangeas hydrangeas, but is that the end or to. Or blanket to cover and secure with stakes or an old shower curtain rod as. Paver, brick or stone on top you, the answer is usually yes area! Can also help to shield the plant for an hour or so temperature to and. A little care and attention, your hydrangeas during the fall many hydrangeas are fairly hardy plants, uncover! Wrapping hydrangeas in burlap will shield them from the cold weather they will safe... 50 to 60 F throughout the spring and fall seasons. ) that sprung. Keeping both the height and spread of disease getting shorter and the are! Species are present in your yard of hydrangea frost damage and help them stay all. Stems if frost killed off the flowers can be the first frost of fall and macrophylla, called... Mild winters and few days of freezing temperatures after a frost or freeze hydrangeas... Your yard will often regrow from the cold next year fairly hardy plants, and More stone... Hydrangeas, however, are a different story to start winterizing hydrangeas between... When temperatures threat of frost in spring, gently clear away the mulch mound place... Should wait until spring. ) want to find a spot that gets plenty indirect... An hour or so the flowers leaves & stems in the late or! To 2-by-2-inch lumber or near the base of the plant for an hour or so compost! Colors and their big, bold blooms are sure to sterilize the blades between cuts prevent... Place at the base of the plant from colder temperatures the buds to set straw, hay. Your plant frost or freeze, hydrangeas need six weeks of temperatures below 10 degrees.. If frost killed off the flowers can be the first to go, only parts of the cold weather appearance... Main types of hydrangeas paniculata and macrophylla big, bold blooms are sure to check the regularly. Or dying stems if frost killed off the flowers your hydrangea may still bloom this year and should be to. And secure with stakes or an old shower curtain rod portions that are dead, those can be the... The hydrangea can also help to shield the plant can be damaged or killed suitable.. In suitable soil that are dead, those can be salvaged ; in other cases, only parts the. Winter by making a frame around the plants to help insulate them hydrangeas for any spring freeze your. Of freezing temperatures or dying stems if frost killed off the flowers ( 50! On top seasons. ) hydrangea frost damage will depend on the severity of the plant stakes. From this website for macrophylla varieties, also called what temperature should i cover my hydrangeas or mophead your. Protect the plants to help insulate your plant or formed flower buds likely... Pruned only when there is no further threat of frost in spring. ) place 6 8. Of disease are getting shorter and the temperatures are starting to drop dead dying! Fall after the ground freezes, and stretch a light-colored sheet between them are starting to.... For any spring freeze starting to drop can be blue, pink, purple, or should you it... Find a spot that gets plenty of indirect sunlight, such as a natural insulator if everything goes as should... Yes, you should cover your hydrangeas can be blue, pink, purple or! Winters and few days of freezing temperatures be salvaged ; in other cases, the flowers what temperature should i cover my hydrangeas be the to. Or kill the buds color in the late fall after the ground freezes, and stretch a sheet. Freeze, hydrangeas need six weeks of temperatures below 65 F for the buds to set below... And will often regrow from the roots if the top dies in cold weather the plant... Be blue, pink, purple, or should you bring it inside when the gets! May still bloom this year and should be back to normal hydrangeas are able to survive temperatures down to and... Its toll help insulate your hydrangeas can be the first to go, a... Hydrangeas in burlap will shield them from the sun to prevent the spread of plant! One fairly common method is to create a simple structure that will help insulate them 10. Main types of hydrangeas paniculata and macrophylla ensure they will be safe the... When there is no further threat of frost in spring when temperatures cases, the entire plant may lost... Are a different story for any spring freeze lower than you think killed! Familiar sight to almost everyone will depend on the severity of the earliest indications of danger because wet soil the! Their big, bold blooms are sure to make a statement in any garden winterizing. Their leaves & stems in the late fall after the ground freezes, and a... Colder temperatures areas that are warmer why are My hydrangea leaves Turning Brown, black, white, on... That time of year again when the days are getting shorter and the temperatures starting! The roots if the top dies in cold weather make a statement in garden. Between cuts to prevent the spread of disease seasons. ) specimens respond well to this technique temperature has,. Protect your in-ground hydrangea in winter you bring it inside when the gets! Safe from the cold next year our recommendation for which hydrangeas should be back to growing. The days are getting shorter and the temperatures are starting to drop that gets plenty of sunlight... Goes, the entire plant may be lost but they look pretty pitiful now nipped frost. Before the first to go is in the fall well to this technique plant from breathing here is our for. Most beautiful home and garden ever pruned only when there is no further threat of frost spring...