How to grow hydrangeas in winter?

Hydrangea , also known as hydrangea and purple hydrangea, is named because of its plump flower shape, which resembles a hydrangea. Winter is the dormant period of hydrangea. Reasonable maintenance and management will help it survive the winter safely and lay a good foundation for its growth and flowering in the coming year. So how do you grow hydrangeas in winter? Let’s take a look with the editor below.

1. Temperature

Hydrangeas have a certain degree of cold resistance, but different varieties have different cold resistances. Generally speaking, the ambient temperature in winter should be kept between 0℃ and 5℃, which is the suitable temperature range for hydrangea to undergo low-temperature vernalization. If the temperature is below -5℃, hydrangeas planted outdoors need to be covered to keep warm to protect the buds from frostbite.

2. Lighting

Hydrangea needs sufficient light in winter, which not only improves its cold resistance, but also facilitates the germination and growth of flower buds. It should be placed in a well-lit area, such as a balcony or windowsill. If there is insufficient light indoors, consider using artificial light to supplement it.

3. Watering

Hydrangeas grow slowly in winter and their demand for water decreases, so they generally only need to be watered once a week. Wait until the soil surface is dry before watering to avoid standing water. You can even stop watering when the temperature is below zero for a long time. When watering, try to pour slowly along the edge of the pot to avoid direct contact of water with the roots and the center of the leaves to prevent frostbite and rot.

4. Fertilization

After winter dormancy, hydrangeas have almost no demand for nutrients in the soil, and fertilizing at this time can easily lead to fertilizer damage. You can apply a thin organic fertilizer once before winter, and then stop fertilizing. When the weather warms up in early spring and the seeds are about to sprout, you can use slow-release fertilizers , water-soluble fertilizers and other quick-acting fertilizers as usual.

5. Pruning

For hydrangeas that bloom on new branches, they can be pruned after the leaves fall in winter and before they sprout in early spring. Just cut off the thin and weak branches to prevent them from falling over. For hydrangeas that bloom on old branches, pruning is generally not done in winter to avoid cutting off the flower buds. Pruning can be done in spring after flowering to encourage new growth.

6. Pest and disease control

Hydrangeas are susceptible to pests and diseases in winter, which can be prevented by regularly checking the leaves and stems of the plants. When pests and diseases are discovered, timely measures should be taken to control them, such as spraying pesticides, fungicides , etc. At the same time, ventilation should be strengthened to reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests.

The above is an introduction to how to grow hydrangeas in winter. When caring for hydrangeas in winter, pay attention to maintaining good ventilation and avoid long-term indoor maintenance that causes poor air circulation and causes diseases and insect pests. You can open the windows regularly for ventilation, or move the plants to a well-ventilated place for maintenance.