How to prune hydrangeas in winter?

With the arrival of cold winter, the issue of hydrangea 's overwintering has become the focus of flower lovers. Especially in northern regions, most hydrangeas have entered a dormant state, while hydrangeas in the south have different wintering needs due to the warmer climate. So how do you prune hydrangeas in winter?

1. Differences in wintering of hydrangeas in the north and south

1. Northern Region

(1) Indoor wintering

In the north, due to the low temperatures in winter, hydrangeas are best moved indoors for the winter. If there is no indoor heating facility, the leaves of hydrangea will fall off. At this time, the branches should be pruned to reduce the consumption of water and nutrients to help it safely survive the winter.

(2) In heating environment

If there is heating in the home, hydrangeas will not enter a dormant period, so there is no need to prune the branches. Just trim off the old leaves at the bottom and keep the new leaves at the top to reduce water consumption.

2. Southern Region

(1) Natural wintering

The temperature in the south is higher, so hydrangeas can continue to be placed on the balcony to enjoy the sunshine, and the frequency of watering can be appropriately reduced, such as once every two weeks, with small amounts of watering.

(2) Low temperature response

If the local temperature is too low, the leaves need to be cut off and the main trunk should be retained to reduce water evaporation and nutrient consumption.

2. Specific measures for hydrangea wintering

1. Pruning

Proper pruning should be carried out in northern regions to remove excess branches and old leaves to reduce the consumption of water and nutrients. If the temperature in the south is suitable, no pruning is required; if the temperature is low, the leaves need to be cut off and the main trunk needs to be retained.

2. Watering

In northern areas, watering should be stopped after pruning, and watering should be resumed when the temperature rises to around 10 degrees in the spring of the following year. In the southern regions, reduce watering appropriately according to the temperature and keep the soil slightly moist.

3. Indoor temperature

The ideal indoor temperature for hydrangeas to overwinter is to maintain at least around 10 degrees to avoid frost damage.

4. Lighting

Whether in the south or the north, you should make sure that hydrangeas receive sufficient light.

In short, mastering the hydrangea winter pruning methods and precautions can ensure that hydrangeas are properly pruned and maintained in winter, laying a good foundation for next year's growth and flowering.