Protect hydrangeas this winter with expert's tips gardeners should do in November

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A garden expert has shared her professional advice to protect hydrangeas through the winter, which gardeners should do now to protect the colourful flowers.With winter just around the corner, gardeners have weeks to get their gardens in order before the first frost hits.

Hydrangeas branches and flowers can dry up completely if the soil freezes water. With no access to water, this puts their future of blooming in spring at risk and they could die off before the next season.Thankfully, horticulturist and hydrangea expert Lorraine Ballato has offered a step-by-step explanation on how to prepare the plant to give the plant a chance to make it through the chilly weather.Firstly, Lorraine advises to re-plant your hydrangea in a more sheltered area, stressing it will need at least six weeks to replenish its roots.

You can also plant other flowers around your hydrangea for a layer of extra coverage.As reported by The Express, Lorraine said in a blog post: “If you can plant something with winter persistent foliage like an azalea, rhododendron, or conifer that will shield your hydrangea, do it now.

Just watch out for future root competition for water."You will also need to clean up all the fallen leaf foliage around the base of the plant, which Lorraine explained will prevent fungal spores from “overwintering” and infecting your plant in the springtime. “This is also a great time to add some mulch to keep moisture in and prevent the plant from heaving during warm spells you’re likely to have," Lorraine added.Mulching, the gardening method of using material such as compost, straw or bark to cover the top of the soil, will help retain moisture and can also act as a layer of protection during harsher weather conditions.