As fall approaches, caring for your hydrangeas becomes especially important. With the changing weather and shorter days, these beautiful plants need a little extra attention to thrive.
Knowing what to do—and what not to do—can help ensure your hydrangeas stay healthy and produce stunning blooms next spring.
What to Do with Hydrangeas in the Fall
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, fall is an important time to care for your hydrangeas to ensure they thrive in the coming seasons.
1. Prune Your Hydrangeas at the Right Time
As fall rolls in, you might be tempted to start trimming your hydrangeas. The best time to prune depends on the type of hydrangea you have. (ref) For those that bloom on old wood, like the bigleaf or lacecap varieties, it’s better to wait until after they bloom in spring so you won’t cut off next year’s buds.
If you have a panicle or smooth hydrangea, you can trim them back in late fall or early spring. This way, you help the plants stay healthy and encourage more blooms next season. Just remember to use clean, sharp scissors for the job!
2. Water Your Hydrangeas Carefully
Hydrangeas love water, but during the fall, it’s important not to overdo it. As the weather cools, the plants need less water. However, if the weather is dry, make sure to give your hydrangeas a good drink every few weeks.
Aim for deep watering rather than a quick sprinkle. This encourages strong roots that can survive the winter. Think of it like giving your plants a cozy blanket of moisture to help them through the chilly months ahead.
3. Mulch around the Base
As temperatures drop, consider adding a layer of mulch around the base of your hydrangeas.
Mulch acts like a protective blanket, helping to keep the soil warm and moist. It also prevents weeds from growing, which can compete with your plants for nutrients.
Use organic mulch like wood chips or shredded leaves, and spread it about 2-3 inches thick. This simple step can make a big difference in how well your hydrangeas survive the winter.
4. Protect against Frost
As the first frost approaches, your hydrangeas may need a little extra protection. You can cover them with burlap or a frost cloth on particularly cold nights. (ref) This is especially important for newly planted or young hydrangeas that are still getting established.
Just remember to remove the cover during the day so the plants can breathe and get some sunlight. This way, you’re helping them stay cozy without trapping moisture, which can lead to mold.
5. Prepare for Next Season
While fall is winding down, it’s also a great time to think about the future. Take a moment to check the overall health of your hydrangeas. Look for signs of disease or pests and address any issues you find.
If you notice any dead or damaged branches, remove them to encourage new growth next spring. You might also want to add some compost around the base to give your plants a nutrient boost.
Think of it as giving your hydrangeas a head start for the next blooming season!
What Not to Do with Hydrangeas in the Fall
It’s essential to know what actions to take to keep your hydrangeas healthy throughout the seasons.
1. Don’t Prune Any Old Wood
As fall settles in, you might feel the urge to tidy up your garden by pruning your hydrangeas. But hold on! It’s important to avoid cutting back any old wood on your hydrangeas during this time. (ref)
Old wood refers to the branches that grew last year and will bloom in the upcoming spring. If you prune these branches now, you’ll be cutting off potential flowers. Imagine waiting all winter for those beautiful blooms, only to find that your plants are bare.
Instead, wait until spring to prune your hydrangeas, especially if you have varieties that bloom on old wood, like bigleaf or lacecap hydrangeas. When the time comes, you can remove any dead or damaged branches, but leave the healthy ones intact.
This way, you’ll give your plants the best chance to produce a stunning display of flowers when the warm weather returns.
2. Don’t Fertilize
While fall might seem like a great time to give your hydrangeas a boost with some fertilizer, it’s best to resist that urge. Fertilizing in the fall can actually harm your plants rather than help them.
When you fertilize in the fall, you might encourage new growth just as winter is about to set in. This new growth won’t have time to harden off before the cold hits. It’s like trying to start a campfire in the rain; your efforts could lead to problems instead of the warm glow you hoped for.
Instead of thriving, your hydrangeas could suffer from frost damage, leaving them vulnerable and weak.
Instead of fertilizing in the fall, focus on preparing your hydrangeas for winter. You can give them a good drink of water to keep the roots healthy, and wait until early spring to apply a balanced fertilizer.
This timing allows your plants to take in the nutrients just as they start to wake up and grow again. This approach will help your hydrangeas flourish in the warmer months.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.