Most Hydrangea species native to our gardens are perennial and very hardy. However, the hydrangea is one of the shrubs that form their plants for the beautiful flower balls as early as autumn. In the case of severe frost damage, it can happen that the shrub only forms leaves in the following year. It is therefore important to note a few points when it comes to winter protection.

Preparation for the cold season

First, break out all faded flowers and use this opportunity to remove dried leaves. If the transition from mild autumn to winter is quite rapid, it may be necessary to strip the leaves of the deciduous varieties left on the bush from the branches by hand.

Prune large shrubs better in spring

If you cut back the hydrangea in autumn, it is particularly sensitive and should never be exposed to night frosts. You can protect smaller shrubs in the garden from freezing back with fleece. Large shrubs are difficult to wrap and should therefore preferably be pruned in the spring.

Hydrangea winter protection

Panicle hydrangeas and climbing hydrangeas do not require any winter protection beyond these care measures. With hydrangea species that bud in autumn, however, you must take appropriate measures to ensure that the buds do not freeze to death.

  • Cover the root collar of the plant with compost or garden soil.
  • Cover the soil around the hydrangea with a layer of bark mulch or leaves about ten centimeters thick.
  • Brushwood is also suitable as soil protection.
  • Wrap smaller shrubs in fleece to protect the buds.

However, do not use foil or airtight materials. Condensation forms under the foil and the shoots inevitably begin to rot.

tips and tricks

Never remove winter protection too early. Even if the sun is already pleasantly warm in spring, it can get so cold at night that the sensitive buds freeze to death.

Category:

Vegetable garden