There are beautiful white, blue, pink, or purple blooms on the shrubs.Special care should be taken to prepare the plants for winter.If you live in a climate where the weather is cold, you should add compost and water the soil.In climates where winter temperatures don't dip below freezing, a layer of mulch will suffice to protect your flowers.If you live in a climate with winter temperatures below zero, you will have to build a shelter to protect your plants from the first frost of the season.
Step 1: The soil should be fertilized in the summer.
It is a good idea to fertilize your plants in the spring or summer so that new blooms can grow.Fertilizing your plants too close to winter will encourage the growth of new, fragile blooms that will be vulnerable in the cold.If you don't feed your plants in the fall, they will have a better chance of surviving the winter.Applying too much fertilization at any time of the year may affect the plant's leaves and flowers in the spring.
Step 2: Add compost in the fall to feed the hydrangeas.
If you apply compost in the fall, it will give your plants the nutrition they need during the spring.The compost should be applied to the top of the soil.The compost should be gently tilled into the top of the soil.The compost should be placed on top of the frozen ground.It will break down in the winter and be ready for the spring.Fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, paper, leaves, and grass clippings can be used to make your own compost.
Step 3: Water the plants thoroughly before the ground gets too cold.
The plants need a lot of water to stay hydrated.Water the plants in the late fall to prepare them for cold weather.Saturate the root area with water every few days to allow it to sink into the soil.Start doing this in the fall.The plants will get more water in the fall.
Step 4: Prepare mulch materials.
The roots and stems of the plant will be protected from the harsh weather by placing organic mulch around the base.Straw or fallen leaves are the best mulch materials.Purchase straw and collect leaves to use as mulch.You should make sure that your mulch materials are free of insects.
Step 5: Once the ground is frozen, apply the mulch.
If you lay mulch while it is still warm, it will attract rodents who are preparing their winter shelter, and may cause rotting and disease in your plants.If you live in a cold climate, you should wait until the ground starts to freeze.Wait until the late fall in warmer climates.In very cold climates, other more extensive shelter may be required.
Step 6: Lay mulch around the plant base.
Hydrangeas need a thick layer of mulch to survive the winter.To cover the base of your plants, scatter your mulch materials.The mulch should be at least 15 cm high.
Step 7: Place stakes in the ground at least 4 inches from the plant.
Use a hammer or mallet to drive wooden stakes into the ground around the plant.At a distance of at least 3–4 inches from the base of the plant, the stakes should be placed.Make sure the stakes are secure by driving them into the ground.The stakes should be the same height as the plant.Don't allow the branches of your plant to rest on the stakes.The shelters should be built about a month before the first frost.
Step 8: If you want to make a "cage" for your hydrangeas, you need to wrap burlap around the stakes.
For winter conditions, your hydrangea plants need protection, but they also need air circulation.It is important to choose a material that will allow air to flow through easily.Wrap the material around the wooden stakes.Garden fleece can be found at most garden centers and online.
Step 9: Attach the fencing to the stakes with a staple gun.
Attach the top, middle, and bottom of each stake to the material.The cage material and wood are behind the mouth of your staple gun.The staple gun should be pressed into the wood.Heavy snow or wind could remove the cage if you don't secure the material to the wooden stakes.
Step 10: If you live in a very cold climate, you should fill the enclosure with leaves.
Extra insulation can be added to your plant if you expect a cold winter.To completely surround your plant, fill the "cage" with leaves.The leaves will protect the plant from the cold.Adding mulch to the base of your plant won't be necessary if you do this step.Pine needles are an alternative to leaves.