As the days get longer again, the hydrangeas awaken from their hibernation. Now it's time for you to help them recharge their batteries for magnificent flowers with the right care.
How do I care for hydrangeas after winter?
After the winter, you can help your hydrangeas to sprout again vigorously and develop large flowers by pruning them and adding fertilizer. Now is also the right time to remove the cold protection from the plants or put potted plants back outdoors.
When should I prune my hydrangeas?
Thepruningshould be done first for hydrangeas after winter, in February or March, depending on the weather. However, only with those varieties that begin to develop buds on the wood the previous year. This particularly applies to the popular farmer's hydrangea, but also the oak leaf and plate hydrangea. Therefore, only cut the hydrangeas back above the buds. You should avoid radical pruning. You should also leave branches that appear to be dry until the end of April; perhaps they will sprout again. Panicle hydrangeas, on the other hand, like quickball hydrangeas, can be cut back in the fall, as they only develop their buds in the new wood in spring.
How do I deal with frost damage to hydrangeas?
You can recognize frost damage because the shoots lookbrown and either mushy or dried out. This is often caused by late frost, which causes the hydrangeas to freeze after they sprout. Since some of the perennials only sprout late in the year, this sight in the garden can be quite disturbing. Nevertheless, for the sake of the hydrangeas, you should avoid cutting off the shoots early. Every cut weakens the plant even further and makes it susceptible to disease. Only if the shoots still do not sprout in May can you cut them off.
When can I take hydrangeas out of their winter quarters?
Although most hydrangea varieties are hardy, it can make sense to cover them with cold protection over the winter or to place potted plants in a protected location. After the last night frost you can get the plants ready for spring again. Remove the fleece before the hydrangeas underneath become too warm. You should gradually accustom hydrangeas in pots to the sun before you finally put them back outdoors.
Tip
Make the start of the season easier for your hydrangeas with fertilizer
After the last frost, you can make the start of the growing season easier for your hydrangeas with a little fertilizer (€8.00 on Amazon). Use hydrangea fertilizer from specialist retailers or use home remedies such as coffee grounds.
