How Are Hydrangeas In A Pot Overwintered?

To successfully overwinter container hydrangeas, choose a durable pot that won’t crack in freezing weather. Sturdy plastic works better than thin ceramics. Overwintering potted hydrangeas can be challenging and often unsuccessful, but there are several best practices to improve the chances of success.

To keep hydrangeas in their natural growing rhythm, it’s best to overwinter them outdoors, but not in piles of snow, frost, and wind. Keep them as sheltered as possible but move them if you’re worried about harsh winds or snow accumulation. The perfect spot would be next to your home, out of the cold.

To winterize hydrangeas in pots, set the pot on a board and surround it with “stuff” to provide added insulation. Move the pots to a sheltered location and surround them with bales of hay, mulch, or other insulating materials. Water when the soil is thawed and dry.

If you choose frost-resistant containers, you can leave the plants in the pots outside. In 6a, cold and drying winds will kill hydrangea roots in above ground pots. However, you can dig a hole in its current location and put the pot in the hole. Wrap the planter with several layers of insulating bubble wrap and then wrap it in a thick coconut mat. Tie the mat with a cord and move the pots inside as soon as the temperatures get close to the point where the pots can crack. Water every two weeks or so.