How to manage hydrangeas in winter?

Hydrangea , with its large flower balls and colorful colors, has become a favorite of countless gardening enthusiasts. However, as winter approaches, the cold weather and dry air pose a considerable challenge to hydrangeas. So how do you manage hydrangeas in winter? Let’s learn more about it below.

1. Keep warm

Hydrangea has limited cold tolerance, especially when the temperature drops below -5°C, frost damage may occur. Therefore, when the temperature continues to be below -5℃, it is recommended to cover hydrangeas planted outdoors with insulating materials, such as straw, old clothes, etc., to protect the buds from frostbite. If it is a potted plant, it should be moved indoors in time for maintenance.

2. Lighting management

Hydrangea needs sufficient light in winter, which not only improves its cold resistance, but also facilitates the germination and growth of flower buds. Therefore, hydrangeas should be placed in a sunny place, such as a balcony or windowsill, in winter.

3. Water management

In winter, the growth rate of hydrangea slows down and the demand for water decreases, so watering should be reduced, as long as the soil is not too dry. You can wait until the soil is about 80% dry before watering. You can even stop watering when the temperature is below zero for a long time.

4. Fertilization management

After winter dormancy, hydrangeas have almost no demand for nutrients in the soil, and fertilizing at this time can easily lead to fertilizer damage. Therefore, in winter, only a small amount of organic fertilizer is applied to the bottom of the pot as base fertilizer when repotting. 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 tips

For hydrangeas that bloom on new branches (such as tree hydrangeas and panicle hydrangeas), pruning can be done after the leaves fall in winter and before buds sprout in early spring. Just cut off the thin branches to prevent them from falling over. The pruning range generally does not exceed 1/3-1/2 of the total. 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.

In general, the management of hydrangeas in winter requires comprehensive consideration of aspects such as keeping warm, pruning, watering, and fertilizing. Through the above measures, hydrangeas can be effectively managed in winter, ensuring that they spend the winter safely and laying a good foundation for growth and flowering next year.