How to Protect Hydrangeas From a Late Frost

Protect hydrangeas from late frosts to be sure of a healthy summer bloom.

Just when your hydrangea thought it was safe to set buds, along comes a late frost that threatens to ruin the entire blooming season. For the hydrangea gardener, late frosts bring a sinking feeling, then a rush to cover and protect the plants, all the while wondering if you are doing enough. The key to protecting the hydrangea buds from a late frost is securely covering them. Use whatever you have on hand for this task: blankets, tarps, even a garbage can will work.

Things You'll Need

• Protective covering
• Weights

Instructions

1. Cover the hydrangea plant all the way to the soil. No part of the plant should be exposed and the air from the outside should be cut off at the soil.

2. Secure the covering with bricks or large rocks. If you used a trash can, place the weights on top of it so that it doesn't blow over. If you used blankets or tarps, place the weights on the portion of the covering that hangs on the ground, completely surrounding the hydrangea.

3. Remove the protective covering from the hydrangea only when all danger of late frosts has passed.

Tips & Warnings

• Surrounding hydrangeas with tomato cages wrapped in burlap then stuffed with straw, leaves or other mulch will also work for winter protection.

References

• Wilkerson Mill Gardens: Hydrangea Care Through Winter Cold Ensures Summer Glory
• Yardener: Caring for Bigleaf Hydrangea
• "Manual of Woody Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture, Propagation and Uses"; Michael A. Dirr; 1998