How to cover hydrangeas for winter in Siberia

Although hydrangea is native to southern Russia, some species have thrived not only in temperate climates but also in Siberia. Naturally, in cold climates, it requires special care, especially protecting it from frost. To prevent the plant from dying, it's important to cover it for the winter in Siberia. Learn how in this article.

Weather features of the region

Siberia is characterized by a long winter. Autumn and spring are shorter than in the central part of the country. Most precipitation in most regions occurs in the summer months of July and August. Typical autumn weather sets in at the end of August and ends in October.

This period also marks the end of the growing season for most plants. Therefore, it's time to prepare the shrub for winter.

What varieties are suitable for the region?

In these harsh conditions, paniculate and tree-like hydrangea species have proven themselves well.

They demonstrate miracles of “courage”, withstanding frosts down to -40 degrees.

Large-leaved varieties of hydrangea, even with good insulation, may not survive the winter.

Therefore, if you have an overwhelming desire to see them on your plot, you will have to dig them up in the fall with a lump of earth and store them until spring in a greenhouse or other utility room.

[sc name=»info-hand» text=»An alternative would be to plant them in larger containers. Then, simply bring them indoors for the winter. But these beautiful flowers will become a beautiful addition to your garden in the summer.»]

But plant breeders have created a gift for gardeners living in cold climates. Through selective breeding, winter-hardy varieties have been developed. Their distinctive feature is that they can bloom not only on new shoots, but also on the previous year's.

But nature provided the most pleasant gift. A natural mutation occurred in a large-leaved hydrangea at an American nursery, causing it to produce flowers on last year's shoots. They named the new variety "Endless Summer." It was from this variety that the breeding of winter-hardy varieties began. Now, Siberians too can admire the beauty of the hydrangea.

Preparing the plant for covering

Before you begin covering hydrangeas for the winter in Siberia, you need to do some preparatory work.

Although hydrangeas are moisture-loving plants, watering is stopped when the growing season ends. Fertilizing is also not recommended during this period. In the second half of August, preparations for winter can begin.

It consists of the following works:

1. The foliage is removed from the plant's branches in stages. However, it's important to remember to leave the last two leaves, which cover the flower bud. It is from this bud that the beautiful inflorescence will form in the spring.
2. Before the first frost, if it rains at this time, it is advisable to cover the bush with a polyethylene canopy so that the ground underneath remains dry.
3. For northern regions, it is better not to cut off old inflorescences; they will provide additional protection for the flower bud.
4. Preventative pruning is performed. This involves removing thin, non-woody branches and thinning out overgrown areas of the bush. Old shoots are cut back to the roots. Whether to perform deep pruning in the fall is a personal decision for every gardener. However, most gardeners in this region prefer spring pruning.
5. The cut leaves and shoots are removed, and the soil around the bush is loosened.

This way the bush will be prepared for insulation.

Step-by-step video:

Cover for hydrangea

Since the region experiences snowy winters and high snow cover, there are two main options:

Covering by bending the plant, followed by insulation

To achieve this, the bush branches are proportionally divided into several segments of 5-7 branches each. They are tied together, but not too tightly. Using various types of clamps and other implements, they are bent to the ground.

It's best to do this in stages, allowing the plant's branches to gradually acclimate. The center of the bush is filled with a pre-prepared mixture: peat, rotted compost, and dried leaves.

Cover the top with spunbond or other covering material to protect hydrangeas for the winter in Siberia. This work is carried out when the first frosts begin.

Before the onset of consistently cold weather, a more substantial shelter is created. To do this, place wooden boxes or a thick layer of spruce branches under the bent branches. Add more dry leaves and then lay more spruce branches between them. Then cover with several layers of spunbond. To prevent moisture penetration, cover with polyethylene. Under these conditions, the plant will overwinter well.

[sc name=»info-dashed» text=»Another rule that will help the bush adapt in the spring: don't rush to uncover it right away. Do it gradually to avoid stressing the plant and preventing it from being frozen by spring frosts.»]

Upright wintering, air-dry

The prepared bush is tied, but not too tightly. Try to choose ropes that won't dig into the branches.

A frame is constructed around the perimeter of the bush, about 20 centimeters away. It can be made from various materials. The simplest method is to use metal construction mesh.

The root nest is filled, as in the first case, with soil mixed with peat, leaves, and rotted manure. Then, dry leaves and small wood chips are sprinkled into the prepared frame.

The structure is wrapped in several layers of spunbond, and the top is covered with polyethylene to keep the plant dry. In the Siberian winter, the structure will be covered with snow, and the bush will overwinter in comfortable conditions.

In the case of large-leaved hydrangea, you can only experiment with winter-hardy varieties.

What varieties are recommended for regions of Siberia?

Tree-like Hydrangea arborescens

Medium-sized bushes with white inflorescences. Undemanding, they tolerate harsh winters well. They only need to be covered during the first few years. Thanks to this, all Siberians can admire their blooms in parks and gardens.

Annabell's Tree

This low-growing bush blooms with magnificent pink flowers that later turn red. This variety is popular among Siberian gardeners.

Paniculata Bobo

The low bush is covered with large pyramidal inflorescences of pinkish-white color.

Panicle hydrangea Pinky Winky

Pinky Winky is a low-growing shrub with wonderful blooms, featuring pink flowers at the base and white at the top. It requires shelter.

Large-leaved, Early Sensation series

Early Sensation, as the name translates, like the Endless Summer series described above, is frost-resistant but requires shelter (air-dry). These series include varieties that have proven themselves. The multi-colored, mostly spherical flowers with vibrant foliage will decorate any garden.

Climbing hydrangeas, or climbing hydrangeas, have a hard time surviving Siberian winters. However, if they adapt, they can transform a gazebo, fence, or house facade. They are taken down for the winter, pruned, and protected in the same way as climbing roses—using an air-drying method.

Every gardener has their own tips for reliably protecting hydrangeas for the winter in Siberia. But if you're an amateur or a beginner gardener, you should approach the process with caution. Remember that the hydrangea's bloom depends on how it survives the winter. Beautiful blooms will be the reward for all your hard work.