There are around 70 different types of hydrangea in total, which in turn are divided into an almost unmanageable abundance of varieties. The winter hardiness of the individual hydrangea species is quite different and also very dependent on the location.

Garden hydrangeas are mostly hardy; Blossoms and buds freeze to death in frost

Planted garden hydrangeas need winter protection

Garden hydrangeas are not endangered by low minus temperatures. The shoots can freeze back, but will always sprout again in the spring. This is the same with many trees that bloom in midsummer, so you simply cut back the frozen parts in spring. The problem with garden hydrangeas, however, is the fact that the shrubs already create their flower buds in late summer for the coming year. If these hibernating buds are damaged by frost, they will not flower the following summer. This applies in particular to garden or farmer's hydrangeas, but also to Japanese hydrangeas (Hydrangea serrata). Good winter protection is extremely important in exposed, windy locations, especially in the winter sun.

Overwinter garden hydrangeas frost-free in tubs

Overwintering garden hydrangeas in tubs is problematic because the root ball freezes through very quickly, even in larger planters. It is therefore better to overwinter the plants in a sheltered place, if necessary in the garage. Otherwise, garden hydrangeas can be left outdoors in tubs from early spring to autumn. They can withstand a few short-term sub-zero temperatures without suffering any damage. But you must not expose them to the cold for a long time. The problem with potted plants in general is that the root ball freezes much faster than in the bed. Therefore, the plants must overwinter in a frost-free, but cool and bright place.

Place potted hydrangeas in their winter quarters from October

From October, the garden hydrangea should be brought into the winter quarters, depending on the temperature. It is important that the shoots have set strong buds before overwintering, from which the flowers will then develop in spring. Also water occasionally in the winter quarters, because the soil must never dry out completely. Before you put them into winter quarters, you can cut back faded shoots a little, and you can also repot them now. In any case, potted hydrangeas should be repotted every one to two years.

tips and tricks

To prepare for hibernation, you should stop using any fertilizer from around mid-August. At this point, the garden hydrangea stops growing and instead forms the buds for the next year. Further fertilizer applications would prevent sufficient bud ripening.

Category:

Vegetable garden