There’s a super easy way to keep your hydrangeas safe during the winter (Image: Getty)
Winter’s creeping in, and if you’re worried about your hydrangeas, you need to know this one crucial tip.
It’s not about pruning, watering, or feeding – in fact, it’s all about doing nothing – for now.
Want to ensure your hydrangeas survive the cold and thrive in the summer? Here’s what you need to do.
The key to protecting your hydrangeas over the winter is simple: leave them alone.
Green-fingered gardeners across the UK are swearing by this method, and it’s been proven to work.
When temperatures drop, wrapping up your hydrangeas before the first frost is a must.
You can leave your hydrangeas alone in the winter (Image: Getty)
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But the secret is what happens after that – don’t touch them until after the last frost in spring.
Worried your hydrangeas might be doomed like April Sharpley’s, who posted pictures of her wilting plants on the Gardening UK Facebook group?
Fear not – other gardeners jumped in with advice that could save your shrubs.
No need for the usual maintenance, they said.
It’s all about letting the plants hibernate until the warmer months return.
Hydrangeas on display at a market (Image: Getty)
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Leela Wright, a seasoned gardener, reassured her fellow green thumbs: “It’s just gone to sleep until spring. Don’t worry, it’ll wake up bigger and stronger. Just leave it alone for now.”
Sue Edmonds echoed this, advising: “It’s hibernating, leave it be! After the last frost, cut off the dead flowers, and it’ll be gorgeous again by summer.”
And Ann Davis chipped in, saying: “Cut the flowers off after the frosts have gone, and it’ll flourish next year.”
Elaine Marie had a similar take: “It’s not dead! Mine looks a lot worse, but the best thing to do now is leave it alone and deadhead in spring.”
Other gardeners added even more tips, including Marian Tash, who said: “Never cut off the flower heads till spring. They protect new buds from frost.”
Therese Heap also reminded everyone: “Cut too early, and you might miss next year’s flowers! Let it look sad over winter, and it’ll have a better chance in spring.”
Hydrangeas’ vibrant blooms will be back in the spring (Image: Getty)
For that extra layer of protection, you can apply a fine bark mulch around the base of the plant, experts say.
This not only insulates the plant but also helps protect the soil from harsh winter rains, which can wash away vital nutrients.
So, the bottom line is this: leave your hydrangeas alone this winter, let them rest, and come spring, they’ll reward you with vibrant blooms.
It’s a foolproof trick that requires little effort but offers big results. Happy gardening!