Suitable hydrangea species for areas prone to frost
Not all hydrangeas are completely hardy and survive deep freezing temperatures well. You should therefore only plant one of the following species in areas where there is a risk of permafrost.
also read
- Are all hydrangeas hardy?
- The peculiarities of the hydrangea pyramid
- Hydrangea growth: how big and wide is the hydrangea?
The following are well tolerated by frost:
- Farm hydrangeas
- Garden hydrangeas
- Japanese hydrangeas
- Forest hydrangeas
- Climbing hydrangeas
- Plate hydrangeas
Hibernate frost-resistant varieties properly
Also these frost-proof Hydrangeas need suitable winter protection so that you do not freeze back too much at low temperatures. You should consider a few points in advance when it comes to maintenance:
- Fertilize Take the hydrangea for the last time in summer so that the fresh shoots can ripen by autumn.
- Do not prune hydrangeas in autumn. Remove only the dead flowers and dead wood.
- The plants need a lot of water. Waterlogging at to water however, should be avoided at all costs. Root damage weakens the hydrangea, making the plant more susceptible to frost damage.
The right winter protection
Mulching The underground around the hydrangea with a layer of bark mulch or leaves about ten centimeters thick. This layer of mulch acts like a warming blanket and protects the hydrangea from frost. In rough locations, it is advisable to add garden soil or compost to the root neck ten to twenty centimeters high.
To protect the shoots and buds from damage caused by the cold, special fleeces or, alternatively, a wire mesh that you cover with brushwood are suitable. It is important that the plant can breathe under this winter protection. Plastic sheeting and air-impermeable materials are unsuitable as condensation water forms under them. This promotes rot and can cause massive damage to the plant.
Tips & Tricks
Just a look at the plant label tells you whether the hydrangea can withstand frost. Varieties that prefer sun should not be overwintered outdoors. Hydrangea species that are stated to also thrive in the shade are, however, usually also hardy.
