Dormant Hydrangeas: What To Do Now

Dormant Hydrangeas: What to Do Now

Hydrangeas are beautiful flowering shrubs that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. But what do you do with your hydrangeas when they go dormant in the winter?

In this blog post, we will discuss the care and maintenance of dormant hydrangeas. We will cover topics such as:

• How to tell if your hydrangea is dormant
• What to do with your hydrangeas in the winter
• How to protect your hydrangeas from the cold
• When to fertilize your hydrangeas in the spring

How to Tell if Your Hydrangea is Dormant

Hydrangeas typically go dormant in the fall, after their leaves have turned color and fallen off. The plant will lose its leaves and its stems will become brown and woody. If you see these signs, then your hydrangea is dormant.

However, it is important to note that not all hydrangeas go dormant at the same time. Some varieties, such as Endless Summer hydrangeas, may stay green all winter long. If you are not sure if your hydrangea is dormant, it is always best to err on the side of caution and treat it as if it is.

What to Do with Your Hydrangeas in the Winter

Once you have determined that your hydrangea is dormant, you can take steps to protect it from the cold. If your hydrangea is planted in the ground, you can mulch around the base of the plant with a layer of leaves, pine needles, or straw. This will help to insulate the roots and prevent them from freezing.

If your hydrangea is planted in a pot, you can move it to a sheltered location, such as a garage or shed. You may also want to wrap the pot in burlap or bubble wrap to provide additional insulation.

How to Protect Your Hydrangeas from the Cold

In addition to mulching or moving your hydrangeas to a sheltered location, you can also take steps to protect them from the cold by watering them regularly. Hydrangeas need about an inch of water per week during the winter months. If the weather is dry, you may need to water them more often.

You should also avoid fertilizing your hydrangeas in the winter. Fertilizer can encourage new growth, which can be damaged by cold weather.

When to Fertilize Your Hydrangeas in the Spring

Once the weather has warmed up in the spring, you can start fertilizing your hydrangeas again. Use a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for hydrangeas. Follow the directions on the fertilizer label carefully.

Conclusion

By following these simple tips, you can help to ensure that your hydrangeas survive the winter and thrive in the spring. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy beautiful hydrangea blooms for many years to come.

As the weather starts to cool down, your hydrangeas may be starting to look a little dormant. Don't worry, this is perfectly normal! Hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs, which means they lose their leaves in the winter. However, they don't actually die during this time. They simply go into a dormant state to conserve energy.

If you're curious about what your dormant hydrangeas are up to, you can take a closer look. You'll probably see that the stems are still green and alive. You may also see some small buds forming. These buds are the beginnings of next year's flowers!

If you want to help your hydrangeas thrive in the winter, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure they're planted in a spot that gets full sun or partial shade. Second, mulch around the base of the plants to help insulate them from the cold. Finally, water them regularly, but don't overwater them.

For more information about caring for dormant hydrangeas, you can visit . This website has a wealth of information on hydrangea care, including tips on how to overwinter your plants, how to prune them, and how to fertilize them.

FAQ of dormant hydrangea

• What is a dormant hydrangea?

A dormant hydrangea is a hydrangea that has lost its leaves and gone into a state of dormancy for the winter. This is a natural process for hydrangeas, and it allows them to survive cold weather conditions. Dormant hydrangeas will typically start to grow again in the spring, when the weather warms up.

• How can I tell if my hydrangea is dormant?

If your hydrangea has lost its leaves and its stems are brown and dry, then it is likely dormant. You can also check the buds on the stems. If the buds are hard and closed, then the hydrangea is dormant.

• Do I need to do anything special to care for a dormant hydrangea?

Not really. You can simply leave your hydrangea alone and it will take care of itself. However, you may want to consider giving it a light mulching of organic material, such as leaves or pine needles. This will help to insulate the roots and protect them from cold weather damage.

• What if my hydrangea doesn't look dormant?

If your hydrangea still has leaves on it in the winter, then it may not be dormant. This could be because it is a variety of hydrangea that does not go dormant, or it could be because it is not getting enough cold weather. If you are concerned, you can contact your local nursery or garden center for more information.

• When will my hydrangea start to grow again?

The time of year when hydrangeas start to grow again varies depending on the climate. In warm climates, hydrangeas may start to grow again in late winter or early spring. In colder climates, hydrangeas may not start to grow again until late spring or early summer.

Image of dormant hydrangea

5 different images of dormant hydrangeas from Pinterest:

1. A close-up of a dormant hydrangea leaf, showing the intricate veins and lacy edges.
2. A cluster of dormant hydrangea buds, tightly closed and waiting for spring.
3. A whole hydrangea bush, bare of leaves but still with its woody stems and skeletal branches.
4. A dormant hydrangea against a backdrop of snow, its branches covered in a dusting of white.
5. A dormant hydrangea in a garden, its bare branches silhouetted against a blue sky.