Hydrangeas are a beautiful and versatile plant that can add color and fragrance to any space. Their indoor varieties are easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for any season or weather. This guide will show you how to keep your hydrangeas healthy and beautiful all winter long.
Ideal Growing Temperature
Hydrangea plants can withstand a wide range of temperatures, making them an excellent choice for most spaces. They are most happy when kept warm, between 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 30 degrees Celsius), but can also tolerate up to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celcius).
During winter climates, you can bring your hydrangea inside to a room that isn’t too warm, like a basement or hallway, and they’ll continue to grow and bloom. Some varieties, like the Boston fern hydrangea, can even tolerate freezing temperatures.
If they’re getting too cold, you can provide extra insulation and water them more frequently to help them keep healthy.
Insulating Your Hydrangeas When it is Too Cold
To provide your hydrangeas with extra insulation, you can use a variety of materials. The most simple option is to place layers of newspaper or other lightweight material between the potting soil and the stem of the hydrangea. This will help prevent the plants from feeling the cold, but won’t provide much insulation.
Blankets, old clothes, and other similar materials can also be used to provide extra insulation for your hydrangeas.
How Often to Water Hydrangeas During Winter
When bringing hydrangeas inside for the winter, you need to be sure to provide them with enough moisture to keep them healthy and prevent them from drying out.
A good gauge would be to water them at least twice a week. Regularly check on the soil to make sure that it is not completely dry.
How Often to Fertilize Hydrangeas During Winter
During the winter, you should fertilize your hydrangeas only when they show signs of needing more. This means you should only apply fertilizer to hydrangeas if the leaves start to show signs of being light green instead of the normal yellow color.
Hydrangea plants require much less fertilizer than their flowering counterparts, so you don’t have to apply as much to get the results you desire. Low-nitrogen fertilizers are best for hydrangea plants, which tend to be more yellow in color.
Sunlight Requirments for Hydrangea During Winter
The sunlight requirements for hydrangea during winter are not as demanding as they are during the summer.
Hydrangeas require a minimum of six hours of sunlight per day, but they can survive with less than that during winter.
