Tips

How to get Magical Hydrangeas ready for winter

The transition from autumn to winter is a special time. The air is getting colder, the days are getting shorter, and things are also changing in the garden. It's the perfect time to prepare your plants for winter. Hydrangeas are the showstoppers in the garden and with the right care, they will remain so even during the colder months. Here's how to get your Magical Hydrangeas ready for winter and make sure they bloom vigorously again in the spring.

Pruning Hydrangeas? Wait until winter has passed

Hold off from using the pruning shears for a while. Hydrangeas are best pruned after the winter, in the spring. That’s because the flowers for the following year form on the woody stems, i.e. the branches the hydrangea produced in the previous year. By pruning now, you risk cutting off the incubator for new flowers. Which would be a waste!

Beware of frost damage

Another good reason not to prune your Magical until winter has passed: frost damage. If you prune now and it starts to freeze, the sensitive pruning wounds may not heal properly. An open invitation to fungi and other woes. So leave those flowers and stems where they are.

Protect hydrangeas planted in beds from cold

Hydrangeas planted in beds are usually quite resistant to the cold. Their stems and buds can take a knock. But extra protection is not a frivolous luxury for young or fragile plants. Protect these plants with a fleece or a coconut mat, or put a thick layer of pine needles around the base of the plant to insulate the roots. Magical Hydrangeas in pots in freezing temperatures. Potted plants are more sensitive to low temperatures. If the pot freezes, it can damage the plant's roots. So bring your potted plants indoors into a space that is not too warm or place them under an overhang. If you don't have one, wrap the pot in a fleece or bubble wrap for extra insulation and protection. 

Hydration for winter

You might expect this tip more in summer, but make sure your Magical Hydrangeas are well-hydrated before winter sets in. Give them plenty of water during autumn so that they go into the next season strong and healthy. Be careful not to overwater though, to avoid root rot. Watering once a fortnight is a good rule of thumb.

Questions or need more advice?

By following these steps, you will make sure that your hydrangeas will get through the winter well and bloom beautifully again in spring. If you have any other questions or need personal advice, feel free to e-mail us at info@magicalhydrangea.com or send us a DM on any of our social media channels. Our expert team are ready to help!