Almost all hydrangeas sold in our latitudes are hardy and only require light protection in mild regions. The hydrangea usually also copes well with locations where temperatures are lower than freezing over a longer period of time. However, you should take appropriate measures to protect the plant from frost.
Are hydrangeas hardy and how do I protect them in winter?
Most hydrangeas are hardy and can tolerate light frost. Farm hydrangeas and panicle hydrangeas are particularly robust. Protect the plants with mulch, special plant fleece and regular watering in winter, especially for potted hydrangeas.
Winter hardiness also depends on the variety
How much frost a hydrangea can tolerate is usually noted on the plant label, because not all hydrangea varieties cope equally well with the longer periods of frost in our climate zone. Farm hydrangeas are considered to be particularly hardy and robust, as they freeze back relatively little even in harsh areas and with some winter protection. Panicle hydrangeas also tolerate frosty temperatures well.
Winter protection makes sense
Even hardy hydrangeas need light winter protection. The following measures have proven to be effective:
- Do not cut off the dead flowers in autumn, this will protect the new shoots from frost damage.
- Cover the root neck about ten centimeters high with bark mulch, garden soil or compost.
- In rough areas, cover the plant additionally with a special plant fleece or a jute bag. The wrapping material should be supported by poles so that the weight of the snow does not rest on the branches.
Please never use plastic wrap to protect the hardy hydrangea from the cold. Bubble wrap is also unsuitable. Moisture accumulates under these airtight materials. These are optimal conditions for mold and other fungi, which can cause massive damage to the plant.
Overwinter hardy hydrangeas in a pot
Hydrangeas whose pots are less than thirty centimeters in diameter should preferably be overwintered indoors. A room with a temperature of around ten degrees during the day is well suited. Ventilate regularly, because if the humidity is too high, there is a risk of fungal diseases.
Overwinter potted hydrangeas outdoors
With our tips you can care for hardy hydrangeas on the balcony or terrace even in the cold season:
- Do not fertilize from late summer onwards so that the shoots mature by winter.
- Remove the coaster and place the hydrangea on Styrofoam or terracotta feet instead. This protects the plant from rising cold in the ground.
- However, ensure optimal water drainage to avoid waterlogging.
- Don't pack plants too early to harden them for the coming cold season.
- If snow falls on the hardy hydrangea, support the fleece or jute with a wooden cross. This prevents snow breakage.
- You can also pack the pot in insulating bubble wrap or Styrofoam.
Tip
Hardy hydrangeas usually do not freeze - but they can dry out. It is therefore important to water the plants moderately but regularly even in winter, especially when the days are slightly warmer and there is no precipitation.
