Article emailed; Subject: Cold Hardy Vines For Zone 3

Question

Interesting article but I have one question. The article said: “Growing Hardy Flowering Vines Plants in cooler climates benefit from well-draining soil and top dressing of thick organic mulch to protect the roots. Even hardy plants like Arctic kiwi or climbing hydrangea may survive zone 3 temperatures if planted in a sheltered location and provided some protection during the coldest periods of winter.”

If one has a climbing hydrangea, how do you propose one offer protection during the coldest periods of winter? That “guy” gets huge!

TIA!

Answer 1

If the roots make is through the winter, the plant survives. It will likely suffer some winter die-back. It may be possible to wrap lower branches in burlap so the main branch structure survives. Another idea is to water the plant during cold, dry spells. Winter kill is often due, in part, to desiccation/dehydration. Some may see annual die-back as an advantage since climbing hydrangeas can easily grow out of control.