How To Winterize Hydrangeas That Bloom All Summer Long?

If you don’t want to plant your Endless Summer hydrangeas this fall, you can overwinter them within their containers by covering the soil with pine needles or light mulch and bringing them into your garage or basement for the winter months. The main care requirements for growing an Endless Summer hydrangea are amending the soil with plenty of organic matter before planting, selecting a location with full morning sun and dappled shade in the afternoon, and after planting, spreading a layer of organic mulch around the plant without touching its base.

Endless Summer hydrangeas are hardy down to USDA zone 4, and their ability to survive freezing weather can damage their flower buds that will bloom the following year. To protect the roots during a cold winter, apply a 3- to 4-inch layer of natural mulch (wood chips, pine straw, and leaves) without touching its base.

To overwinter Endless Summer hydrangeas, start by placing them where they will get morning sun and afternoon shade. Stop all fertilizer applications after August 15th to acclimate the plant for winter. Keep the soil moist through the fall months until the ground is frozen, cover the plant with a four-inch layer of organic mulch, wrap the plant with burlap or chicken wire, and fill the enclosure with leaves. Wait to remove winter protection until all danger of frost has passed.

To winterize the plant, water it once a month or a few times during the winter. If there hasn’t been much winter rainfall and the plants are dry, give them a little water once a month during dry spells. Protecting the branches from winter freeze will help increase the number of flowers next year.

Where do you cut hydrangeas for winter?

Hydrangea paniculata, also known as panicle hydrangea, is a plant with conical-shaped flower heads that can be pruned back to just above a fat bud in fall, late winter, or spring. These plants produce buds in late summer to early fall, which will form next year’s flowers. To maintain winter interest in your landscape, it is recommended to wait until late winter or spring. Popular panicle hydrangeas include Quick Fire®, Limelight, and First Editions® Berry White®.

Should you cut back endless summer hydrangeas in the fall?

In order to ensure the emergence of flower buds from the winter period, the pruning of Endless Summer Hydrangeas should be conducted in May. This process also serves to remove any dead wood and to leave green buds or leaves, thereby guaranteeing the survival of the plant during the winter season.

How do you get endless summer hydrangeas to rebloom?

To achieve the promised endless blooms of hydrangeas, maintain soil moisture and fertilize once in spring or early summer. Overwatering and over-fertilization can decrease bloom production. Pruning to the base may take time for new growth to appear. ‘Endless Summer’ doesn’t need to be cut back to its base, as it blooms on both old and new growth. In hot climates, provide a few hours of morning sun and ensure afternoon shade, while full sun is good in colder climates. However, late spring frosts and cool summer temperatures can hinder flower production, making ‘Endless Summer’ not the panacea Northerners were hoping for.

Are you supposed to deadhead Endless summer hydrangeas?

The practice of deadheading not only facilitates the emergence of new flowers, which may exhibit striking ball blooms and vibrant autumn colors, but also encourages the plant’s overall health and growth.

What is the best location for endless summer hydrangeas?

Endless Summer hydrangeas thrive in areas with morning sun and dappled afternoon shade, with the amount of sun varying based on the zone. They prefer dry soil, watering the ground underneath the stems and not over the foliage. Water deeply and less frequently than a little bit every day, giving the plant time to soak into the soil and roots before the hot summer sun sets. The best soil for this hydrangea type is loam, which is ideal for its well-draining and nutrient rich nature. If necessary, soil amendments can be added to the soil. Overall, hydrangeas require a balanced mix of sunlight, water, and soil to thrive.

How do you save hydrangeas after frost?

In order to facilitate the recuperation of the hydrangea from the effects of frost, it is recommended to await the advent of warmer weather and to prune the plant back to the next healthy bud or set of leaves. It is possible for old-wood bloomers to continue blooming at the base of the plant, while new-wood bloomers can be pruned to a height of a few inches above the ground. To facilitate the recuperation of the hydrangea, it is recommended to apply a layer of organic mulch in the spring and to irrigate with an appropriate organic fertilizer.

Why are my endless summer hydrangeas dying?

In southern zones 8-9, hydrangea shrubs should receive a maximum of 2 hours of morning sun to prevent burns on their leaves and blooms. To ensure proper watering, it is recommended to soak the soil daily, but ensure it is always moist. If the soil is dry, give it a good soaking, and if it is wet, do not add water. Hydrangea plants can also survive in decorative pots, which allow them to be moved to different locations and create a focal point in your living space. The care instructions are mainly the same, with a few notable differences. For more information on hydrangea water care, check out the blog on watering.

What is the best winter cover for hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas can be winter-protected using an A-frame, which can be left bare to prevent the accumulation of snow and ice. In regions with colder climates, the use of a tarp or insulating cover, secured with string or a bungee cord, is recommended. An unframed drape is also a common method of protection, in which the plant’s stems are held and tethered at the base. Additionally, a shrub cover can be employed to safeguard hydrangeas from the rigors of winter.

How cold hardy are endless summer hydrangeas?

Endless Summer hydrangeas are known for their excellent winter hardiness, able to withstand temperatures as low as -30 degrees. They thrive in cold weather, making flowering reliable. To promote plant health, apply one cup of granular fertilizer in spring or early summer, avoiding over-fertilization that can burn the root system and inhibit bloom production. Use a slow-release fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-30-10, containing a higher percentage of phosphorus.

How do you preserve hydrangeas for the winter?

Hydrangeas are a beautiful and easy-to-preserve flower that can last up to a year. To dry them, hang them upside down in a cool, dry location, allow them to dry naturally on the stem until the petals feel papery, or use a mixture of water and glycerin. The ideal time to cut hydrangea blooms to dry is towards the end of their growing season (August through October), when the larger petals are starting to change color and develop a papery feel, and the tiny flowers are just beginning to open. This method helps maintain the flowers’ shape and color, ensuring their beauty is preserved long after they bloom.

How to wrap a hydrangea for winter?

Wind breaks can be effective for Hydrangeas in exposed locations, but they should be placed six to eight inches away from the plant. Stakes around the shrub and attaching cloth or tarp to those stakes is the best way to stop the wind. A single layer of burlap isn’t thick enough to provide much of a wind barrier. Heavy tarps or plastic are not as effective in protecting Hydrangeas and don’t allow them to breathe. In polar vortex situations, when temperatures drop below zero, the air around the Hydrangea is just as cold as outside the plastic or tarp.

This greenhouse effect can be more harmful for Hydrangea buds than no protection at all. A tarp or plastic can be used for a windbreak if it’s not covering the top of the plant and is attached to stakes around the Hydrangea. Instead of using less-than-attractive tarps all winter, consider moving your Hydrangeas to a location that is naturally more sheltered by the house or other plants.