Hydrangeas in winter: How to survive the cold without dying of thirst!

Hydrangeas in winter: How to survive the cold without dying of thirst!

When winter is just around the corner, it's time to take care of your lovely hydrangeas. These colorful plants are not only a feast for the eyes in the garden, but also really easy to care for. But what is the best way to get through the cold season? HNA reports that the most important thing is to develop the right watering habits. Because hydrangeas rarely freeze to death in winter, they rather die of thirst.

A problem that is often underestimated is evaporation. Even without leaves, hydrangeas release water through their shoots and branches. When the ground is frozen, the roots can no longer absorb water, which can quickly lead to a dry existence. Potted hydrangeas or freshly planted specimens whose roots are not anchored deep enough in the ground are particularly at risk.

Important tips for wintering

Proper care in winter means regularly checking the moisture of the soil. Plants should be watered on frost-free days to ensure the roots can absorb enough water. It is important to avoid waterlogging - otherwise the roots could be damaged. If you want to protect potted hydrangeas from severe frost, it might help to place them in a frost-free location, such as a basement or garage, to allow the soil to thaw. The plant can then go outside again.

• Hortensien benötigen weniger Wasser im Winter, trotzdem ist gelegentliches Gießen notwendig.
• Besonders empfindlich sind Arten wie Bauern- und Tellerhortensien, die zusätzlichen Schutz brauchen.
• Ein guter Tipp: Über den Winter verblühte Dolden stehen lassen, die bieten einen praktischen Schutz für die Triebe.

And when it comes time to water, warm or hot water should be avoided to prevent the plants from sprouting prematurely. Also NDR points out that frost sensitivity varies depending on the species and climatic conditions.

Protective measures for potted hydrangeas

Nevertheless, there are various protective measures to protect potted hydrangeas from frosty temperatures. You should wrap the pot with jute, fleece or coconut mat and place it in a place protected from the wind. A wooden or Styrofoam plate under the pot ensures that the roots are protected from ground frost. When temperatures drop to colder regions, it is advisable to bring the plants indoors and, above all, make sure that the environment is not too warm - temperatures around five degrees Celsius are ideal.

A little effort, but the result is impressive: with the right care and a few simple tricks, the hydrangeas will thank us next year with a blooming display of colors. Whether in the garden or on the balcony – they always cut a good figure! Mercury agrees with this assessment and recommends paying particular attention to the insulation of the pots.