Hydrangeas are among the sturdiest garden perennials that grow into magnificent shrubs with the right care. Almost all cultivated Hydrangea species are relatively frost-resistant and, with a light winter protection, can survive longer periods of frost.
Very harsh winters can cost the hydrangea its blossoms
Location and species are decisive for winter hardiness
Although almost all of the hydrangea varieties offered here are considered fully hardy, it depends on the location and the type of plant how well the plant gets through the cold season. In mild regions in sheltered places, the hydrangea does not need winter protection, even in Germany. Without this, in somewhat harsher areas, some buds could freeze to death on strains that flower the previous year. After very harsh winters with low temperatures, it is even possible that all of the flower heads fall victim to the frost.
The following varieties are considered relatively hardy:
- peasant hydrangeas
- climbing hydrangeas
- plate hydrangeas
- forest hydrangeas
Hibernate hydrangeas properly
In many areas it is therefore advisable to protect the hydrangea from frost. To do this, proceed as follows:
- Stop fertilizing from late summer so that the shoots are fully mature by winter.
- Cut out dead and protruding branches in autumn to avoid snow breakage.
- Cover the root neck with soil, bark mulch or compost.
- Several layers of brushwood also offer good protection against the cold.
- Wrap smaller shrubs in fleece to protect the delicate buds.
Foil and other airtight materials are not suitable as winter protection. Condensation forms under these and the shoots of the hydrangea begin to rot.
tips
In principle, it can be said that shade-loving hydrangeas and those that do not require a sheltered location according to the label tolerate frost relatively well. A hydrangea that also tolerates sun, on the other hand, is not quite as frost-resistant.