In the large hydrangea family, panicle hydrangeas are considered particularly hardy.
Are panicle hydrangeas hardy?
Pranicle hydrangeas are hardy and can tolerate frosty temperatures. They recover even after the shoots freeze in spring. Nevertheless, winter protection with brushwood, fir or spruce branches and bark mulch in the root area is recommended, especially for young specimens or potted plants.
Pranicle hydrangeas tolerate frosty temperatures
The hardy panicle hydrangeas withstand adverse temperatures and even ice and snow. If their shoots freeze over in the winter, it's not really a big deal; after all, the bushes sprout again in spring. However, re-sprouting can be difficult once all above-ground parts have frozen away. For this reason, it is advisable to also provide the panicle hydrangea with winter protection. For this purpose you can very well use brushwood as well as fir or spruce branches and mulch the root area with bark mulch or similar.
Flowering is not endangered by frost
In contrast to the farmer's hydrangea, the frost cannot harm a panicle hydrangea, after all it only blooms on this year's young shoots. In addition, the old wood will be cut out in the spring anyway. It only becomes dangerous if the plant is encouraged to sprout very early due to a very sunny location or mild temperatures and is ultimately surprised by late frosts - especially around the time of the Ice Saints in mid-May. In this case, the fresh shoots with the new flower buds freeze and the flower may fail. The resourceful gardener ensures appropriate protection when late frosts threaten.
Protect young specimens
Many young plants are very sensitive to frost, and the panicle hydrangea is no exception. Therefore, very young specimens - for example in the first and perhaps also in the second year - should preferably overwinter in cold house conditions and under no circumstances remain outdoors. If necessary, you should dig up the bush again and continue to care for it in a bucket.
Overwinter panicle hydrangeas properly in pots
Older specimens in larger pots can usually overwinter outside without any problems, provided they are provided with protective mats. To do this, place them in a protected location, e.g. B. on a house wall that radiates heat. However, if the planter is smaller than about 40 to 50 centimeters in diameter, the potted hydrangea should be placed in the house, apartment or, if necessary, in the garage oroverwinter in the cellar. The environment should be frost-free, but cool and bright. However, a lack of brightness can be remedied with the help of a plant lamp. Wintering temperatures between 2 and 5 °C are ideal.
Tips & Tricks
Pranicle hydrangeas need to be watered from time to time even in winter, but fertilization is not necessary.