Hydrangea Macrophylla

Question

Hello, I just purchased one of these plants and planted in our garden in the southern-exposure area. We live in Zone 5. Question: 1) should I dig up and replant in a pot due to cold Winter season? I’ve been reading two things I’m concerned about, first the southern exposure sunlight and then the Winter cold. Help, I’m concerned I don’t want to kill the plant. Thank you.

Answer 1

Macrophylla is typically hardy from zones 6 to 9. They form their flower buds on old wood, or the previous season's growth, so the flower buds on your plant will likely be killed during the winter's cold. You can either put it in a container and move it to the garage over winter (water sparingly) or you can cover it during the winter. You have it in full sun, but since you are in a cold climate, that would be OK if you covered it during the winter. You can wrap it in burlap or encircle it with chicken wire filled with leaves.

Here is more:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/hydrangea/mophead-hydrangea-care.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/hydrangea/hydrangea-winter-care-how-to-protect-hydrangeas-from-winter-cold-and-wind.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/protecting-plants-winter.htm