Wisconsin Hydrangea Winterization Tips?

Winterizing hydrangeas is crucial for their flourishing in 2023. To do this, wrap plants loosely with burlap and secure them with sturdy twine. Another option is to create a mulch to protect the hydrangea’s flower buds from freezing weather. Water well in the fall and lay down a thick layer of mulch or straw over the root area at the base of the plants. Most winterization should be performed after the ground is frozen for the winter, as covering plants too early can cause premature growth. To prepare hydrangeas for colder areas, add a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plants to protect the crown and roots from freezing. One of the first steps is to add a hefty layer of mulch, about 8-12 inches, at the base of the hydrangea during late fall or after the first freeze.

How do you prepare hydrangeas for winter in Wisconsin?

To care for hydrangeas in winter, follow these steps:

1. Protect spring and early summer hydrangeas by mounding shredded leaves or bark mulch around their base. Uncover plants in spring when temperatures are above freezing.

2. Water hydrangeas well, a couple of times in fall to prevent drying out due to winter winds. Ample moisture in fall helps stems withstand freezing blasts of air.

3. Avoid pruning hydrangeas in fall or winter, as it may remove flower buds for the following year and add interest to the winter landscape. Save pruning chores until spring or summer after plants bloom, as new growth will hide dead stems.

Do hydrangeas do well in Wisconsin?

Smooth hydrangeas are native to the eastern United States and are found in wooded areas. They are cold-hardy in Zones 3-9, making them suitable for Wisconsin winters. They prefer morning sun and shade during the afternoon, with more sun resulting in more blooms. Smooth hydrangeas have a softer, brittle structure and produce new shoots every year, allowing for easy pruning.

Panicle hydrangeas, native to China and Japan, have desirable growth habits and flower characteristics. They are cold-hardy in Zones 3-8 and can grow up to 10 feet tall depending on the variety chosen. Panicle hydrangeas require sunlight for flowering and prefer full sun or morning sun and afternoon shade. They have cone-shaped or open panicle heads that begin to blossom in different shades of white and pink in the fall.

The flowers are tough enough to survive winters, providing interest in the snow. To dry the flowers for decorative use, prune them in the fall and let them dry. It is best to prune Panicle Hydrangeas in the spring as it is easier to see where new buds are emerging. Woody hydrangeas bloom on new wood, so cutting at least 1/3 of old-growth off the shrub would benefit this season’s flowering.

In summary, Smooth hydrangeas are native to the eastern United States and can tolerate low light conditions in Wisconsin. They have a unique structure and require sunlight for blooming. The Invincibelle series of Smooth Hydrangeas are tough plants that don’t require much maintenance and can be enjoyed year-round with just a little pruning in the spring.

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.

What is the freezing point for hydrangeas?

Bigleaf hydrangea, oakleaf hydrangea, and mountain hydrangea are shrubs that can withstand harsh winter temperatures down to -15°F, but their dormant flower buds may be compromised. To protect them from severe winter damage, add a layer of mulch at the base of the hydrangea during late fall or after the first freeze. Wrap or cover them if temperatures dip below 0°F, minimizing the risk of damage. If growing in containers, bring them inside after the flowering season when temperatures drop below 45°F degrees.

Place them in a cool, unheated, dark, and dry place like a garage, basement, or mudroom. As temperatures rise, slowly acclimate them to warmer temperatures by placing them indoors in direct sunlight during the day, called hardening off. Some cultivars are created to be exceptionally hardy in areas with brutal winters, and some cultivars may be hardy in areas with harsh winters.

What is the best month to prune hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas are typically pruned in late winter or early spring, with climbing hydrangeas being pruned after flowering in summer. Hydrangeas bloom from mid- to late summer, while mophead and lacecap hydrangeas bloom satisfactorily with little attention. Annual pruning encourages new growth and better flowering display. Other species, including climbing hydrangeas, benefit from a trim. Timing is usually late winter/early spring, but sometimes late summer. Pruning hydrangeas can be easy to moderate.

Do hydrangeas need to be cut back 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®.

When can I cut the sticks out of my hydrangeas?

The pruning of dead canes of hydrangeas may be undertaken at any point in the year. However, it is advisable to exercise caution during the autumn and winter months, as the plants may be susceptible to damage.

What hydrangeas are native to Wisconsin?

The plant known as Hydrangea arborescens, or Smooth Hydrangea, is a native species that can be found in shady deciduous forests in the eastern United States, particularly in Iowa and Florida. It is tolerant of a range of soil types and has been cultivated since 1736. Its native flowering form is a flat corymb lacecap.

When to prune hydrangeas in Wisconsin?

Pruning hydrangeas that bloom on new wood is safe and can be done in late fall or early spring. The next year’s flower buds won’t form until late spring, so pruning in fall or spring won’t remove them. If you prefer a dried look in winter, leave them on and prune them in spring. If you live in a heavy snow load area or prefer a tidier look, prune them in late fall to early winter. Examples of hydrangeas that bloom exclusively on new wood include:

Should I cut my hydrangea down to the ground?

To rejuvenate a hydrangea plant, it is recommended that the stems be cut close to the ground, as the bloom buds are produced on the older wood. It is recommended that up to one-third of the older stems be removed each summer. This practice will result in a reduction of the floral display in the spring and summer months.

Should I cover hydrangeas for freeze?

Hydrangeas need protection depending on the winter temperature drop. If the air temperature doesn’t drop below 0 degrees (zone 7) there is no need for winter protection. In colder climates, wrap or cover marginally hardy hydrangeas, especially those that bloom on old wood, like mop head/big leaf hydrangeas. Newer varieties bloom on both new and old wood. Hardier hydrangeas like paniculata and arborescens don’t need extra winter protection, but extreme cold can cause die-back of their branches.

If a colder than normal winter is predicted, consider covering plants with burlap or a mulch mountain. There’s still time to plant hydrangeas, as they can grow in Zone 4 and warmer zones (5 to 9) and fall is the best time for planting. Follow the steps above, especially watering and mulching.