How to Care for Hydrangeas in Winter?
Abstract: This article provides knowledge on how to care for hydrangeas during the winter. The editor will give you a detailed explanation.
Recently, some flower enthusiasts have asked whether they should剪 (剪 means "剪枝", but there isn't a direct translation for this context in English) hydrangeas heavily and pluck the leaves during winter. How should hydrangeas be managed in winter? If you also have these doubts, today's article will certainly answer your questions.
Key Points for Managing Hydrangeas in Winter
Actually, managing hydrangeas is very simple. Compared to roses, hydrangeas are almost maintenance-free and bloom every year as expected. Therefore, there are not many articles shared about caring for hydrangeas. Recently, the most frequently asked question about hydrangeas is whether to pluck the leaves or剪 them heavily.
1. Should You Pluck Hydrangea Leaves in Winter?
The practice of plucking hydrangea leaves started popularity at an unknown time. Some enthusiasts say that plucking all the leaves can force the hydrangea into dormancy and accumulate more nutrients. However, except for the warm regions in Guangdong and Guangxi, hydrangeas in other areas naturally shed their leaves in winter. If you are in Guangdong or Guangxi, you can pluck the leaves.
But if you are in other regions, such as Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, it is recommended to let the large hydrangeas outdoors shed their leaves naturally in winter without manually plucking them. The leaves of hydrangeas in winter can shield most of the frost. Although it has been cold recently and the leaves have turned dark red, or even become burnt and brittle, they can still protect the plump buds below from frost, reducing the risk of frost damage.
After experiencing a period of frost, the buds of hydrangeas develop the ability to cope with the cold, and at this time, the leaves have done their best to protect and will naturally fall off. So don't think of plucking the leaves just because they look ugly and破损. Especially with the current weather, which fluctuates between high and low temperatures, it can be particularly harmful to plants.
Today, I noticed that some plants in the greenhouse were fine yesterday, but many of them冻熟 (there isn't a direct translation, but it implies "frozen to the point of spoilage") today...
They couldn't even bear the darkness before dawn...
For hydrangeas outdoors, it is recommended not to manually pluck the leaves in winter. If they are potted indoors, you can do as you wish.
2. Should Hydrangeas be Heavily Pruned in Winter?
Possibly influenced by the winter pruning of roses, many enthusiasts have been asking whether hydrangeas should be heavily pruned, which has confused me for a moment.
Most large hydrangeas bloom on old branches, with a few varieties blooming on both old and new branches. However, no matter which type of variety, do not prune heavily in winter, because if the old branch blooming varieties are pruned heavily, there will be no flowers in spring and summer for sure.
If it's a variety that blooms on both old and new branches, heavy pruning in winter will also affect the blooming quantity and the timing of the next bloom. The best time for pruning large hydrangeas is after blooming. No matter which type of large hydrangea variety,坚持 (means "insist on") pruning after blooming will not be wrong.
3. Key Points for Winter Management of Hydrangeas
If you can't keep still and want to do something for your hydrangeas, then focus on the following two points.
① Pay Attention to Cold Prevention
Hydrangeas are not very cold-resistant. When the temperature drops below -5 degrees Celsius, frost damage may occur. Therefore, for large hydrangeas planted outdoors, it is recommended to cover and insulate them at night when the temperature continues to be below -5 degrees Celsius to protect the buds from frost damage.
During this period of persistent low temperatures, the buds with leaves on the ground planted hydrangeas are fine, but some of the buds on the pruned ones have been frostbitten, which is more可怕 (means "frightening") to the plants than low temperatures.
In cold regions, outdoor hydrangeas must be covered and insulated. In the northern cold regions, it is recommended to choose varieties that bloom on both old and new branches, which are more reliable. Even if the old branches are frozen, the buds that grow first in spring can still bloom.
② Appropriate Application of Winter Fertilizer
For ground-planted hydrangeas, you can apply some fermented organic fertilizer as winter fertilizer now to lay a good foundation for vigorous growth in spring. Organic fertilizer not only provides the nutrients needed for hydrangea growth but also improves the soil structure and maintains soil temperature. It is recommended to shallowly bury or sprinkle fermented organic fertilizer around the roots, using about 2 pounds per plant.
For potted hydrangeas, you can skip fertilizing now and add sufficient bottom fertilizer when repotting before the hydrangeas sprout in spring. Of course, if you don't plan to repot, you can also shallowly bury some fermented organic fertilizer around the pot to supplement soil fertility.
The above points on winter management of hydrangeas and specific introductions on how to care for hydrangeas in winter are hoped to bring some knowledge of flowers to flower enthusiasts.