How and what is better to cover the hydrangea for the winter

Classification by grade

The shrub is classified into two types: evergreen and deciduous. In regions with harsh winters, the cultivation of deciduous hydrangea is allowed, as it tolerates frost better. In addition, the plant has several varieties that differ from each other not only in flowering, but also in the characteristics of care.

Varieties of hydrangea:

1. Pereshkovaya. Its feature is the absence of a trunk. The structure of this hydrangea variety resembles a liana. Possesses frost resistance, therefore, does not require significant winter insulation.
2. Himalayan. It is considered the most cold-resistant shrub of this genus. Doesn't need shelter.
3. Tree-like. It tolerates frost well and grows quickly with the arrival of spring.
4. Oak-leaved. Not resistant to frost. Requires shelter, mainly from the winds.
5. Large-leaved. It is thermophilic, needs careful autumn preparation for cold weather.

Video "Preparing hydrangeas for winter"

In this video, you will learn how to properly prepare a hydrangea for the winter period.

Autumn preparatory period

Heat-loving varieties of hydrangea need to be prepared for the cold weather from September. The first procedures that help the plant to adapt to the "wintering mode" are pruning and feeding. After the plant begins to shed its foliage, they start pruning. It is worth noting that the features of this procedure depend on the type of culture.

Treelike hydrangeas remove old damaged shoots, and healthy branches are slightly shortened. This activates the spring growth of young twigs. The large-leaved variety is practically not pruned, with the exception of old shoots. This is due to the fact that in the case of excessive shortening, the plant may no longer bloom. The panicle hydrangea is almost completely thinned out, leaving the strongest branches.

It should be borne in mind that when a plant is affected by a fungal disease, all shrubs are subject to sanitary pruning, regardless of the variety. Two weeks after pruning, they start feeding. The shrub is fertilized with phosphorus and potassium compounds. Nitrogen fertilizing is unacceptable, as they activate the growth of new shoots, and this will disrupt the biological rhythm of the plant.

Winter shelter

Late autumn is a period when many gardeners build a hydrangea shelter for the winter. But do not forget that not all shrubs need insulation. Therefore, before starting to organize a greenhouse, you need to determine the variety of hydrangea and, along with it, the degree of its frost resistance. If the plant tolerates low temperatures, elementary hilling of the root zone will be more than enough. If the flower is thermophilic, it is prepared for winter in several stages:

1. The trunk circle is covered with dry soil. This will prevent the root system from freezing.
2. The branches of the bush are tied and gently bent to the ground.
3. From above, the flower is covered with agrotextile.

Focus on climatic conditions

The shelter method is selected taking into account the climatic characteristics of a particular region. Siberian flower growers successfully grow even thermophilic varieties of hydrangeas. It's all about the right shelter.To protect their bushes from frost, gardeners use wooden tubs. In case of severe frosts, they simply move to the greenhouse with a comfortable air temperature and a favorable level of humidity. Residents of the Moscow region do not have to worry about the construction of intricate insulation, since the climate of this region allows many varieties to be grown without resorting to additional protection.

Caring for a plant in the Moscow region includes several manipulations:

• pruning shoots;
• peat mulching of the root area of ​​the bush;
• warming of branches with spruce branches and cardboard boxes.

Taking shelter is an important aspect of caring for a garden princess. It must be produced with the first warming, otherwise the plant can rot and rot. Heaters are removed layer by layer, and if frost suddenly returns, a film or polyethylene is thrown onto the plant.

If during wintering the hydrangea suffered, then it is important to cut the damaged branches as soon as possible so as not to provoke the occurrence of fungal diseases and further rotting of the bush. The best feeding at this time will be nitrogen fertilizers. They will help the plant recover after winter and activate the sap flow processes.

Growing hydrangeas does not involve significant material and time costs. The main thing is to be attentive to your pet and provide her with reliable protection in the cold season.