Overwintering hydrangeas: How to properly protect your potted plants!

Overwintering hydrangeas: How to properly protect your potted plants!

Hydrangeas are a popular sight in many gardens and on balconies. Their lush flowers delight the heart and make the home more inviting. But now that temperatures are falling and winter is just around the corner, hobby gardeners should think about protecting their plants. Potted hydrangeas have it particularly difficult because they are more sensitive to frost than their counterparts in the bed.

As merkur.de reports, freezing of the root ball is the greatest danger for potted hydrangeas. To ensure that the plants bloom in their full glory again next summer, good winter protection is essential. Here are a few tips: Wrap the container with jute, fleece or coconut mat and place the pot in a place protected from the wind, ideally on the wall of the house. A wooden or Styrofoam plate under the pot provides additional protection from the cold of the ground.

The right winter quarters

In cold regions it is recommended to overwinter the hydrangeas indoors. According to the experts at ndr.de a cool, frost-free place, such as a garage or a basement with temperatures below five degrees Celsius, is ideal. The plants can spend a quiet time there without being exposed to the risk of frost.

Although robust varieties such as panicle or viburnum hydrangeas are somewhat frost hardy, it is particularly important to insulate them well. This applies especially from below to minimize the risk of root freezing. In addition, overgrown inflorescences should remain on the plant over the winter. They offer natural protection from wind and cold.

care and attention

In winter, hydrangeas require less water, but they should still be lightly watered occasionally to prevent them from drying out. For potted hydrangeas, it is particularly important to keep an eye on the size of the container. A diameter of at least 30-40 cm is recommended to adequately supply the plants. Cuttings should be made in early spring so that the plants can start the new season well.

An overview of the different types of hydrangeas and their care needs shows that there are two main types: species that bloom on perennial wood, such as farmer's or plate hydrangeas, and those that sprout new shoots in spring, such as panicle hydrangeas. The latter are generally more resistant to frost, while the former benefit particularly from their mulch protection, especially for new plantings.

If used correctly, every hobby gardener can ensure that the holidays and winter are a time of protection and recovery for their hydrangeas in just a few simple steps. So if you have a good knack for plants, you can use these tips to breathe new life into your green oasis in spring.