The winter weather in northern regions is cold, which is a great test for northern hydrangeas. Proper care methods can help northern hydrangeas safely get through the winter and ensure blooming for the next season. Next, we will introduce the winter care methods for northern hydrangeas.
Clean up surrounding debris
Before winter arrives, it is necessary to clean up fallen leaves, dead branches, and other debris around the northern hydrangea to avoid affecting its ventilation and light exposure.
Cover for insulation
Northern hydrangeas are not cold-tolerant and need to be covered for insulation before winter arrives. You can use burlap bags or white non-woven fabric to cover the plant to increase the insulation effect. It should be noted that the insulation material should not be in direct contact with the leaves to avoid affecting photosynthesis.
Do not water
After winter arrives, northern hydrangeas enter a dormant period and do not need watering at this time. Watering at this time can easily lead to root rot.
Control the temperature
The suitable growing temperature for northern hydrangeas is between 5°C and 20°C. If the temperature is too low or too high, it will affect the growth of the plant. Before winter arrives, it is necessary to choose a place with a suitable temperature for cultivation.
Reduce fertilization
After winter arrives, northern hydrangeas enter a dormant period and do not need fertilization at this time. Excessive fertilization can lead to poor absorption by the plant, affecting the flowering period and flower color.
Prevent rot
Northern hydrangeas are prone to rot due to overwatering. After winter arrives, it is necessary to regularly check the plant for signs of rot and take timely measures.
Ensure light exposure
Northern hydrangeas prefer a sunny environment, so it is necessary to choose a well-lit place for cultivation. If conditions permit, you can choose a transparent greenhouse for cultivation before winter arrives.
Ensure ventilation
Northern hydrangeas need to ensure a well-ventilated environment to prevent mold and pests. Ventilation must be maintained while covering for insulation.
Prevent pests and diseases
Northern hydrangeas are susceptible to pests and diseases such as aphids, powdery mildew, and gray mold. Therefore, timely prevention and treatment are necessary before winter arrives.
Strengthen observation
Northern hydrangeas are prone to withering and wilting after winter arrives, so observation needs to be strengthened, and timely measures must be taken.
Pay attention to drainage
Northern hydrangeas do not like waterlogging, so attention must be paid to drainage while covering for insulation to avoid submerging the plant.
Prevent freezing
The winter weather in northern regions is cold and prone to freezing. Northern hydrangeas are not cold-tolerant and measures must be taken before freezing weather arrives to prevent the plant from being frost-damaged.
Prune appropriately
After the northern hydrangea enters the dormant period, appropriate pruning can be carried out. Some dead leaves and branches can be pruned to increase ventilation and light exposure.
Choose suitable nutrient soil
Northern hydrangeas need to choose suitable nutrient soil for planting. Before winter arrives, some organic fertilizer can be added to the plant to increase its nutrition.
The winter care of northern hydrangeas needs to pay attention to insulation, light exposure, ventilation, and other aspects. It should be noted that northern hydrangeas are not cold-tolerant and a series of measures must be taken to ensure the plant survives the winter safely. Only with proper care methods can northern hydrangeas continue to bloom beautifully in the next season.