How to cover hydrangeas for the winter in the Moscow region: methods, varieties

Gardeners are increasingly planting the beautiful flowering hydrangea in their gardens. Genetically, it's a southern shrub. Therefore, most hydrangeas require winter protection. However, there are species and varieties that can withstand fairly harsh winters and temperatures down to -40 degrees Celsius. Therefore, before deciding how to cover hydrangeas for the winter in the Moscow region, you need to determine the species and variety.

Types of hydrangea by winter hardiness

The paniculate and arborescent varieties are the most winter-adapted. However, during the first few years, when the bush is still young, it requires protection. In severe winters, shoots can freeze and fail to bloom the following year. This occurs because the buds from which paniculate inflorescences form are located at the top of the branch.

[sc name=»info-hand» text=»Large-leaved and climbing petiole hydrangeas overwinter much worse. Recently, breeders have developed relatively cold-resistant varieties of these species, but it's still best to cover them for the winter.»]

The overwhelming majority of gardeners are inclined to the conclusion that it is better to protect the plant from frost in order to guarantee the enjoyment of this beautiful bush's flowering in the summer.

All the more so because it deserves such reverent treatment. The diversity of varieties, with beautiful inflorescences of varying shapes, colors, and sizes, is impressive. For example, it's hard to tear your eyes away from the paniculate Pinky Winky variety, with its conical clusters and color transition from pink to white. And the huge, snow-white globe of the tree-like Incrediball is stunning in its beauty.

Weather conditions in the Moscow region

For each region, it is advisable to select not only the varieties most adapted to the region, but also to take into account climatic features.

Autumn in the region is long and fairly rainy, with September typically warm. The growing season ends, lasting from mid-September to early October. This is when flowering shrubs prepare for winter dormancy. It's also beneficial because before winter dormancy, they'll be saturated with rainwater. This allows the plant to overwinter better.

Important! It's important to remember that the soil must be dry before the final covering. Therefore, if rain is expected during this period, the bush should be covered with plastic.

To learn how to cover hydrangeas for the winter in the Moscow region, watch this special video:

Preparing the plant for winter

Before the end of the growing season, that is, growth and development, stop watering and fertilizing to prepare the bush for winter. After the plant has almost finished flowering, gradually begin pruning the leaves from the branches. This is done sequentially, first the lower ones, then all the rest.

Please note: The last two leaves, which encircle the inflorescence bud, are not cut off. Gardeners' opinions differ on whether to remove old inflorescences. Some leave them, others suggest cutting them off. However, the cut should be made above the inflorescence bud (about a centimeter).

I thin out the bushes. I remove small, non-woody shoots and old ones. If many shoots have formed in the center of the bush, I thin it out.

Unpruned plants bloom in late spring, around June, with slightly smaller inflorescences. Bushes pruned in the fall to 5 or 6 buds will bloom in late summer, producing larger flower heads.

Leaves and torn foliage are raked out, and the soil around the roots is loosened. Also, don't forget cover grapes for the winter.

Methods of shelter

As already noted, the method of covering depends on the hydrangea species. The most spectacular large-leaf hydrangeas all require covering.

Paniculata doesn't require heavy covering, as older plants overwinter well in the region's climate. For older plants, sprinkling the roots with a few buckets of dry soil is sufficient. However, young, recently planted plants require additional covering.

Method 1

It takes place in two stages:

After the leaves have been cut from the branches, several twigs are tied together. Then, using hooks, staples, or bows, they are bent to the ground. They are arranged in a circle. The center of the bush is filled with soil and sprinkled with dry leaves. Until the first frost, cover it with several layers of agrospan. Any non-woven garden material can be used. The branches will gradually adapt to this position.

After the first light frosts, remove the insulation. Place spruce branches, boards, or perforated plastic boxes under the bent branches to minimize their contact with the ground. Cover with dry leaves and interleaf spruce branches. Two layers of insulation are possible. Then, cover with non-woven insulation and cover with plastic film. Secure the ends of the covering material with something heavy.

Method 2

We'll explain how to cover hydrangeas for the winter in the Moscow region when the bush doesn't bend easily. In this case, you can leave it upright. However, this method is also suitable for covering a plant that's bent toward the ground.

Preparing for shelter is done in a similar manner. The branches are gathered together and tied loosely with rope or thick twine. Beforehand, the root zone is also covered with dry soil. A frame is constructed around the perimeter of the bush. Depending on the size and height, different devices are used for this purpose.

This could be:

• construction metal mesh;
• arcs of reinforcing wire;
• shields woven from vines;
• shields made of slats, etc.

Then, fill the frame with dry leaves and wood chips. Wrap the top of the frame with covering material. You can also wrap the top with plastic.

[sc name=»info-dashed» text=»It is not advisable to completely wrap the plant in film, as the plant in such a winter shelter can suffocate, and the foliage will begin to rot.»]

What should you consider when covering hydrangea?

It is necessary to choose the optimal method that is suitable for this particular type of bush.

Try to construct the shelter so that the bush can breathe. Tightly covering or tying the plant too tightly can cause rot.

Choose the optimal timing for the work. The first part of the covering can be done when the first frosts begin, and the second when the cold weather sets in.

Don't rush to uncover hydrangeas while there's still a risk of spring frost. It's best to uncover them gradually. First, remove the insulation and plastic, and once temperatures are consistently above freezing, clear away any branches and leaves. Hydrangeas are sensitive to frost in the spring, even if they've survived the winter relatively well.

Advice! If you have a permanent heated greenhouse on your property, the best method is seasonal planting. Some gardeners use special, spacious containers for this purpose. This method is especially suitable for heat-loving, large-leaved species.

In the Moscow region, paniculate and tree-like varieties require little winter protection, as they can withstand temperatures as low as -35°C. Based on observations, thinning and sprinkling the root area with a few buckets of dry soil is sufficient. Large-leaved varieties, however, require substantial cover. They take a long time to establish themselves and grow slowly. However, the beauty of their blooms compensates for the effort involved in caring for them.

Another variety that is becoming increasingly popular, especially in landscape design, is the petiolate hydrangea. It takes a long time to establish itself, but after three years, it begins to grow vigorously. Native to the Far East, this plant can transform the façade of your home. However, it also requires insulation, especially during the first few years of establishment. In the Moscow region, you can cover this variety of hydrangea for the winter with spruce branches.

Remember, the flowering of the hydrangea depends on how it survives the winter.