Pruning large-leaved hydrangea in the fall. Not all types of hydrangea need pruning and shelter for the winter: what you need to know about these procedures. Formation of a bush form with a raised crown in paniculate hydrangea, features of pruning

Hydrangeas are one of the most popular plants in any garden. They are loved for their ease of cultivation and care, as well as their incredible beauty. This flower can be a worthy decoration for any Alpine slide or a flower garden, but most beginner gardeners are often interested in how to care for him in the cold season. One of the most popular on this moment are questions about whether it is necessary to cut the hydrangea for the winter, why do it and how to properly prepare the plant for this procedure.

Preparing for the cold season

It should be remembered that specially prepare for the winter period frost-resistant varieties plants are completely optional. They will survive this period perfectly without additional protection. For normal functioning, it is enough to know how to cut a hydrangea for the winter and spud its base.

For normal training by winter, watering the plants is stopped at the very beginning of September and all lower leaves to start lignification of shoots. Just before frost, you can cut off all the foliage from the plant, leaving only the top that protects the flower buds.

Do I need to prune hydrangea for the winter and how to do it

With this procedure is practically not performed. Before shelter, the plants remove all weak, damaged and broken branches. It should be remembered that it is inadmissible to remove the apical bud of a hydrangea. It is from it that the peduncle will be formed next year. Also, do not rush to remove blackened shoots - they may turn out to be alive. To be completely sure, you should wait for spring and see if the buds hatch on them.

Confidently give an answer to the question of whether it is necessary to cut the hydrangea for the winter, no one can give experienced gardener. All of them agree that the plant practically does not need this operation. If there is a need to shorten the shoots, then only cosmetic and only in very young bushes. This is due to the fact that the main hydrangea peduncles are located on the tops of last year's shoots, and by removing them, the gardener will simply destroy future flowers. That is why rarely anyone can give an unambiguous answer to the question of whether hydrangeas are pruned for the winter.

The first priority when caring for this plant is to keep all of its stems safe and sound. Particular attention should be paid to the flower buds at the end of the shoots. If they vypreyut or freeze, the plant will not bloom and will be an ugly bunch of branches.

The answer to the question of whether it is necessary to cut the hydrangea for the winter can be the following statement: this is done only to rejuvenate the plant. At the same time, the gardener cuts out only weak and broken branches, and also moderately thins out the bush so that new replacement shoots begin to form. During the autumn procedure, it is very important to leave the inflorescences of the plant intact, as they can provide the kidneys with additional protection from winter frosts. In the spring, of course, they can be removed, but this must be done with great care and trying not to damage the young shoot.

Blooming hydrangea bushes are a real decoration of our gardens and summer cottages. This flowering southern shrub feels great in our rather harsh climate, although it requires appropriate care and mandatory shelter for the winter of some varieties.

Hydrangea long time retains its decorative effect, delighting us with its flowering almost all summer. Tall sprawling bush, decorated with large inflorescences, which can be the most different color, decorates our gardens from July until autumn.

I really love hydrangeas, which can not be compared with anything in their beauty. However, the very first and most important condition for abundant flowering of this plant is a mandatory pruning of hydrangeas in the fall. Without proper pruning, you will not achieve good flowering from your beauty. Autumn pruning is the key to the health and beauty of your plant, and you can not neglect it.

We note right away that most often in our gardens there are two types of hydrangeas - large-leaved hydrangea and panicled hydrangea, although there are a lot of species and varieties of this plant in nature.

And these two garden varieties of hydrangeas differ not only appearance, although both are beautiful, but also by the rules of cropping - it is fundamentally different. And for beginners, it is important to know what kind of hydrangea grows in your garden, and how it should be cut.

This is not to say that a hydrangea that is not pruned in spring or autumn will not bloom or completely wither. No, a hydrangea will survive without pruning and will bloom at its normal time. But only pruning will give the plant a beautiful shape, and ensure not only the appearance of several shoots with inflorescences, but abundant and long flowering.

If the hydrangea is not cut off, forming a crown for it, in a few years it will take on a sloppy, unkempt appearance, as a result of which it will look neglected. Such a hydrangea will not become a real decoration of the garden. In addition, in a hydrangea that is not cut off, the size of the inflorescences and the flowers themselves will always be much smaller than that of a bush formed by proper pruning.

Therefore, to the question of whether it is necessary to cut the hydrangea for the winter, the answer is unequivocally yes.

Why do you still need pruning hydrangeas in the fall? There are several answers to this question:

to form a beautiful shape of a hydrangea bush;
so that your plant blooms for a long time and profusely, delighting you with lush inflorescences;
to rejuvenate the bush and keep it healthy and beautiful for many years;
to ensure the growth of new shoots.

Proper hydrangea pruning

The question of how to properly cut a hydrangea is easy to answer. Almost all types of hydrangeas bloom on the shoots of the current year, so you can not be afraid to cut the shoots too much - the bush will bloom anyway.

Hydrangea loves pruning, and the shorter you cut the old shoots, the thicker and longer the new ones will be. You can safely shorten your bushes by 2/3, they will feel great!

You need to be more careful with pruning only one variety of hydrangea - large-leaved hydrangea. Sometimes its owners complain that they have planted a bush for a long time, but it does not bloom in any way. And they take care of it, and cut it every autumn, but the bush still does not bloom and does not bloom.

It's not the fault of this correct pruning. The fact is that, unlike other varieties, large-leaved hydrangea just blooms on the shoots of last year.

Such a hydrangea practically does not need pruning, the shoots should simply be shortened slightly and the dried ones removed, and it is preferable to do this in the spring, after the bush has overwintered, solely for cosmetic purposes.

For good flowering of such a hydrangea, it is necessary to save flower buds at the ends of the shoots, so that they do not freeze in the winter, and in the spring, under cover, they do not begin to rot - it is from these buds that new inflorescences will appear in July. therefore, it depends on the state of the kidneys how abundant and beautiful the flowering of your bush will be.

And if the large-leaved hydrangea is not touched and cut off, it will provide a large increase in new shoots, and will be very decorative.

With such a hydrangea, you just need to remove the dried inflorescences, and this can be done both in spring and autumn. It is still preferable to clean them in the fall so that the hydrangea winters without them. However, dry inflorescences look so beautiful in winter garden that sometimes a hand simply does not rise to cut off this luxury.

If you are one of those lovers of flowers in the snow, then just spray your hydrangeas in the fall Bordeaux mixture. And then they will winter well with dry flowers. And it will be possible to remove them in the spring by cutting with a sharp pruner. You need to do this very carefully so as not to damage the shoot.

At the same time, spring pruning of large-leaved hydrangea differs from autumn pruning. If you decide to prune your bush in the spring, then you need to cut to the base about a quarter of the existing shoots that are more than three years old. On the remaining shoots, you should simply cut off the inflorescences themselves, which remained from last year.

If you decide to prune a large-leaved hydrangea bush in the fall, then you should limit yourself to cutting the inflorescence from the shoots without touching the stems themselves. If any of them dry out or lose their leaves, you can cut them back in the spring.

But paniculate hydrangea, which is also very common in our gardens, requires pruning almost to the root.

The stronger you cut the panicled hydrangea, the better bush will feel, and even more decorative look.

Such a hydrangea is cut off according to the following scheme - 5-7 of the strongest and strongest shoots are selected, and cut out to the third or fifth bud. The rest of the shoots can be removed.

If your bush is very old, and it needs to be rejuvenated, then in the fall you just need to shorten all the shoots a lot, leaving stumps of five to six centimeters. The following year, your bush will release many young shoots.

When is the best time to prune a hydrangea?

A very common question is when to prune, spring or fall. In general, there are no prohibitions on this matter, since this is a matter of priorities for the owner of the garden. But, in my opinion, autumn pruning is still preferable. Personally, I always prune my plants in the fall, before shelter.

At this time, the plant is already preparing for hibernation, does not release new shoots, and life in it freezes. Besides. pruning is always a kind of injury to the bush, and until spring the plant will have time to recover from it.

But in the spring, when juices are already beginning to circulate through the branches in any plant (and this process begins already in February), it will be more difficult for hydrangeas to endure pruning with the same ease.

Therefore, in the spring it is better to limit yourself to cosmetic cleaning of the bush, simply by removing all the shoots and inflorescences that have dried up during the winter, if they remain on the branches. It is with the help of spring pruning that the bushes are shaped, and it becomes well-groomed and beautiful.

However, if you prefer spring pruning, there is nothing unacceptable in it. Just take a sharper pruner and cut the branches at an acute angle - in this case, infections or infection with fungal diseases are less likely to get there.

In a word, autumn pruning is the health of your bush and its abundant flowering, and light spring pruning is the formation of a beautiful shape of the bush and giving it a well-groomed appearance. Therefore, the most correct thing is to combine autumn and spring pruning.

Climatic features to consider when pruning

It should also be borne in mind that pruning technology depends not only on the variety or season, but also on the climate in which your hydrangea grows and blooms.

If you are a resident of a warm region, with a long summer and autumn, which does not come until November, then your hydrangea can be cut short enough.

But if you are a resident of Siberia or the North, then the hydrangea is cut off more superficially, by no more than a third, because in conditions, although hot, but short summer it simply does not have time to grow enough green mass and bloom.

These circumstances must be taken into account before taking up the secateurs.

Preparing the plant for winter

Another circumstance to consider is that no matter when you do intend to prune your hydrangea, it still needs to be prepared for the winter.

Although hydrangea is hardy plant, after all, the climate of our country is not very suitable for her, so it is advisable not only to cover the bushes for the winter, but also to prepare for it. This is especially important for hydrangea varieties that do not tolerate frost well and for those bushes on which you decide to leave inflorescences for the winter.

This is easy to do - preparing the plant for winter comes down to the fact that all the leaves from the bottom of the inflorescence should be removed, but the top ones should be left. These leaves will protect the bud at the end of the branch from the cold. Hydrangea varieties that are not sufficiently resistant to frost prefer just such manipulations.

winter shelter

What to do with hydrangeas for the winter? Firstly, you need to understand that only young bushes up to three years old need a major winter shelter. as well as varieties resistant to frost. The rest of the hydrangeas are just enough to lightly cover near the roots with a layer of mulch, peat and humus.

Secondly, it should be remembered that it is much more important to remove the shelter in time in the spring. Delicate buds of hydrangeas cannot stand overheating, and will simply begin to rot under the covering material. Therefore, shelter from any variety of hydrangea should be removed early enough, as soon as the sun begins to warm.

By the end of April, all hydrangea bushes should be fully open.

Different types and varieties of this plant tolerate winter colds in different ways, in addition, they can grow in different climatic zones, so there are nuances of caring for them in the fall in preparation for the upcoming cold weather.

Below you will find information about caring for and preparing the plant for winter, about pruning hydrangeas in the fall, and information will be especially useful for beginners.

Hydrangea paniculata is one of the most frost-resistant varieties, it can withstand frosts down to -30-35 C. She only covers the trunk circle with a layer of mulch to protect it from freezing root system.

Less resistant to frost is a tree-like variety, in which young shoots can freeze slightly during the cold season. But the plant quickly recovers over the next season.

And the most unstable to cold is the large-leaved variety. It is not covered for the winter only in the southern regions of our country, and in the colder regions this shrub needs full shelter during the cold season.

All varieties and varieties of this perennial, regardless of their resistance to frost, must be prepared for winter in advance. And the conversation about preparing this perennial for the cold should begin with a story about the autumn pruning of hydrangeas.

Secrets and features of autumn hydrangea pruning

Many lovers of this wonderful flower often have questions about this procedure: when is it better to prune - in autumn or spring; And is it necessary, in general, to prune the hydrangea for the winter? It is worth exploring these issues in more detail. In addition, if this procedure is carried out incorrectly, then the shrubs can bloom poorly or, in principle, leave the gardener without their beautiful flowers during the entire season.

Do I need to prune the plant for the winter

In autumn, you need to cut the hydrangea for sanitary purposes. And also it is necessary to cut off varieties of hydrangeas that love heat, so that it is easier to cover them. In addition, it is necessary to remove all inflorescences that have withered in the fall. Some gardeners part spring work on pruning these shrubs are transferred to autumn - it is more convenient for them.

Features of pruning a flower for the winter

It is better to consider separately how tree-like, paniculate and large-leaved varieties are pruned, since each of them has its own growth characteristics.

Tree pruning

This type of perennial is formed in free form. Only after planting should the upper part of the shoots be shortened so that side branches form more actively. Since the flowers on these bushes appear at the ends of the branches in this season, therefore, you can safely cut all last year's and older shoots from the bush.

Hydrangeas tree-like carry out the following types of pruning in the fall:

In order to cut the tree-like hydrangea for the winter for better flowering, it is necessary to shorten last year's shoots, leaving two or three buds on them, from which powerful flowering shoots will grow in the future.
Sanitary - when all damaged, broken shoots are removed.
Thinning - removal of small shoots that will not bloom in this season, but only thicken the shrub or grow not outside, but inside the bush.
Anti-aging - removal of all shoots that are more than 4 years old, under the root. First of all, it is necessary to remove those shoots that have a weak growth.

Video: how to cut a tree hydrangea for the winter.

Pruning large-leaved varieties

This variety is the most typical shrub. Zero shoots grow well in it, and branches older than 3-4 years become obsolete, and they need to be cut. Most of the buds appear on last year's shoots, so it is very important that young shoots do not freeze out in the cold. Therefore, the shoots cannot be shortened, they are removed only in case of freezing. And if the large-leaved hydrangea is cut incorrectly for the winter or the shoots are too shortened, then the shrub may not bloom at all.

Video: pruning large-leaved hydrangea in the fall.

Pruning panicled hydrangea

In this variety, new shoots form well, but the zero branches grow poorly. The number increases from season to season flowering shoots, as a result, the inflorescences become smaller, and in the future this leads to a weakening of the bush as a whole.

With formative pruning of hydrangeas panicled autumn of all zero shoots, a few of the strongest are left, and the rest are to be removed.

To form a crown, it is necessary to shorten the shoots previous year. In this case, no more than two pairs of kidneys should be left. Blooming shoots grow out of them later.

How to prune panicle hydrangea in the fall?

Sanitary - carried out in the same way as with other shrubs.
Thinning - in this type of flower, too many shoots grow during the season, which quickly thicken the bush and shade it. Of all the shoots that grow from one bud, one or two are left that grow outward.
Anti-aging pruning in the fall of paniculate hydrangea is similar to the corresponding pruning of trees, since the branches paniculate hydrangea happy fat. And cut out only old branches that do not grow well.
When pruning for flowering, a strong growth is formed, on which large inflorescences will grow. In the spring, it is necessary to shorten last year's shoots, leaving no more than two pairs of buds on which shoots with inflorescences will grow.

Video: pruning panicled hydrangea in the fall.

Autumn or spring?

Usually the main part of the procedure is carried out in spring period, the timing is not particularly important - even when sap flow begins in the shoots, when pruning, the shoots do not “flow”. In addition, a later spring pruning allows you to better see which of the branches froze during the cold period.

But the procedure for anti-aging purposes, in which it is necessary to remove old thick branches, is best done before the buds begin to bloom.

Formative pruning should be carried out based on the nuances of the growth of branches, bookmarks on the shoots of flower buds.

What you need to know about post-procedure care

After pruning in the fall, it is necessary to wait 10-14 days for the hydrangea to recover from stress, and only then can it be applied to the tree trunk.

In autumn, it is necessary to introduce complex fertilizer into the soil, which includes phosphorus and potassium. But you can make these mineral fertilizers one by one. But watering in the fall is practically stopped, and all foliage is removed from the lower part of the bushes.

Shelter for the winter

Many novice flower growers are interested in sheltering this perennial for the winter, and if so, how to do it. Below will be detailed information on this issue.

Do I need to cover the plant

Many gardeners are wondering if it is necessary to cover the hydrangea for the winter. The point is that not all this plant needs to be covered during cold weather. For example, tree-like and paniculate hydrangeas do not need to be covered for the winter, because they are highly frost-resistant. It is enough to spud each of the bushes in late September-early October. Only young seedlings of these shrubs are subject to shelter.

And only large-leaved hydrangea needs to be covered for the winter, because it is a very heat-loving species. And if in middle lane and similar regions do not cover this shrub, then it will definitely not bloom.

Video: how to properly cover a large-leaved hydrangea for the winter.

Features of hydrangea shelter depending on the region

In Siberia, experienced flower growers manage to grow large-leaved hydrangea, many varieties of which are valued for their beautiful decorative look foliage, as well as beautiful flowers different coloring. In order to cover the heat-loving hydrangea plant in Siberia well for the winter, it should be planted separately from other plants so that its shelter does not interfere with the development and growth of other flowering perennials. Also in the conditions of Siberia, gardeners grow this type of plant in large tubs, which are removed for the winter in a greenhouse or greenhouse.

In the Moscow region, it is better to grow varieties that do not require special shelter for the winter. But young plants need to be covered.

In order to cover the hydrangea for the winter in the suburbs, you must perform the following steps:

Cut off all shoots, leaving no more than 3 buds on each.
A thick layer of red peat is poured around the base as insulation and subsequent fertilizer for the root system.
The ground is covered with spruce branches and all shoots are pressed against it.
Sprinkle the entire seedling with earth, and cover with a cardboard box on top.
For additional insulation in snowy winters, a layer of snow can be poured on top.

The most popular ways to cover hydrangeas for the winter are as follows:

First, boards about 0.5 m in size are laid out around the bush. Then all the branches are carefully bent and fixed. Boards are also laid out on top of the shoots. And already on top of the second layer of boards a special agrofibre is placed in several layers. It is fixed with spruce spruce branches or branches. The stronger the frosts are expected, the more layers of shelter need to be provided for this shrub. Moreover, when sheltering a plant, you can not be afraid that the shoots will sprout.

Air dry method. Perennial shoots are tied together, wrapped with lutrasil, and a frame is built around it from a grid, the size of which is 10-12 cm larger than the height of the shrub. Dry foliage is poured inside the frame to the very top. Then the resulting structure must be wrapped with any material that does not let moisture in. In this way, young seedlings of all types of hydrangeas are also covered for the winter.

These wonderful shrubs are actively grown in landscape design for decorating park areas. But increasingly they are found in ordinary dachas and gardens of private houses. Flower growers need to remember that these perennials require special treatment in preparation for the cold period.

Features of wintering of different varieties

Hydrangea is a shrub with a height of one to three meters. Varieties are divided into evergreen and deciduous. In a cold climate zone, only deciduous hydrangeas.

Ways to organize wintering depend on which variety grows in your garden.

- treelike, paniculate- well tolerate frosts and quickly recover in the spring.

- large-leaved- not resistant to frost. Its flowering occurs on last year's shoots, which freeze slightly in winter. Therefore, this variety may not bloom in open ground conditions.

- Himalayan (ground cover)- the most winter-hardy species, requiring minimal shelter for the winter.

- Chereshkovaya- winter-hardy, does not need shelter for the period of frost.

Hydrangea in autumn - preparation for winter

How to prepare hydrangea for the winter? - Preparing for wintering this charming flower comprises two stages. The first of these is leaving in the autumn, on the eve of the onset of the cold winter period.

The preparatory period begins in September. At this time, the watering of the plant is sharply reduced, gradually stopping it altogether.

If it rains heavily in autumn, then it is better shelter plant so that excess moisture does not fall on it. For this, you can put a wire frame over the bush, which is covered with a film during rain. Shelter must be made in such a way that moisture does not enter the root system. How less water get roots, the more successful wintering will be.

Just do not cover the plant tightly so that it does not rot and rot.

In order for the new shoots formed in the current vegetative period to mature and lignify, it is carried out top dressing hydrangeas. Fertilizer should consist of phosphorus and potassium.

Do not fertilize the hydrangea in the autumn with nitrogen fertilizers. This will cause the growth of new shoots, which freeze in winter.

With the onset of cold weather, the hydrangea will begin to actively shed foliage. When a severe cold snap sets in, it is advisable for her to help break free from the rest of the leaves.

The upper part of the stems is cut off in autumn, also remove all inflorescences. After dropping all the foliage and pruning the shoots, they should be tied. A mulching layer is poured under the bush, it should wrap the base of the bush, cover the entire root system.

How to cover a hydrangea for the winter?

Target winter shelter hydrangeas - preservation of buds on young shoots. Care for the winter is necessary for hydrangeas, and this is important because flowering is provided by them. And what is the point of growing a bush on which flowers do not form?

Without additional shelter, it can only endure frost petiole hydrangea.

tree hydrangea hides in the first year after planting. An adult specimen only needs to be spudded, no additional shelter is required. But some newly bred large-flowered varieties are still better to cover. This is due to the fact that their flowers form on the shoots of the previous year, and if they freeze, the plant will not bloom.

Other varieties require extra cover. It is required to cover the hydrangea before the onset of frost, since the tender shoots do not tolerate frosts below minus 5.

A wooden box is placed next to the bush, shoots are laid on it and the entire structure is covered with spruce branches or covering material.

You can also cover the base with spruce branches, then bend the branches around to the ground and fix. The center is covered with peat or sawdust, and spruce branches are laid on the branches. On top of the spruce branches, the bush is covered with covering material, fixed on all sides. With a similar method of shelter, hydrangea is able to endure temperature. to minus forty.

If the bushes are still small, you can completely cover them with earth, and on top with spruce branches. Alternatively, you can install iron supports around their perimeter, and stretch the mesh around. Dry foliage is poured inside the structure, and covered with a film on top.

Tall old bushes have poorly bending shoots, so the described methods for them unsuitable. They are tied and wrapped with a covering material. A wire or U-shaped reinforcement is installed crosswise over the bush. The result is a kind of canopy, which is covered with a film.

If the bushes are planted in a group, you can make a common shelter for them. With this type of shelter, each bush is mulched. Then iron or wooden stakes are placed around the group in a circle. The structure is wrapped with burlap or covering material. From above, everything is covered with a layer of film or roofing material.

As they grow older, the frost resistance of hydrangea bushes increases. So over time, careful hiding can be abandoned, leaving only root mulching.

How to help hydrangeas recover after winter?

Do not rush to remove the shelter from the hydrangea immediately after the onset of the first warm days. Until all the snow has gone, there is a risk burn shoots bright spring sun. In addition, the shelter must be removed gradually.

The bush is released from the film as soon as active snow melting begins.

As soon as the warm weather has settled, it's time to check how your pet overwintered. This is usually done in the middle of May when the threat of spring frost has passed.

To remove cover, select It's a nasty day, to bright sun did not burn the escape. You can even open the bush gradually, removing the shelter in the morning and in the late afternoon.

Release the bush from the mulch layer and loosen the soil. If the ground under the bush is too dry, you should pour abundantly his warm water. You can add a little citric acid to the water.

After opening, the bush is pruned, leaving three to four flower buds on each shoot. It is also necessary to remove dry, frozen stems. For thinning, shoots are removed that are four years old.

Don't cut the shoots too short, you may remove all the flower buds. Pruning must be done before the formation of leaves begins.

If the bush has suffered during wintering, then it is more expedient to prune after the first leaves appear. Then you will immediately see which shoots have suffered and need to be completely removed.

After pruning, the bush needs to be fed nitrogen fertilizers. This will give impetus to the growth of shoots and the formation of buds.

Do not feed the hydrangea with ashes, as it will deoxidize the soil and the bush will begin get sick.

Take care of hydrangeas winter period by building the right shelter for her, and she will give you beautiful blooms in the summer.

A photo

Useful video

Watch a video on how to send a hydrangea for the winter:

Many gardeners consider hydrangea to be a picky plant. This statement is only partly true. Three species of this plant grow in our gardens, and the most capricious of them is the large-leaved hydrangea. The other two (panicle and tree) do not require special attention and well endure the hardships of the Russian climate. We will talk about what it is to prepare hydrangeas for winter in this article.

Training starts with the right fit

If you are just going to get a hydrangea in your garden, then it is important to choose the right place to plant it. It will depend on this how the plant will endure winters and delight you in the season. rapid flowering. These garden flowers do not like drafts and dampness. The ideal option is slightly acidic soil. Consisting of the top layer of peat, pine litter and leaf humus.

How to determine the acidity of the soil

Well, if you got a garden with an already growing hydrangea, then the above mixture can replace the ground trunk circle. The soil must be removed carefully. So as not to damage the roots of plants. If you are afraid to do this, just mulch the trunk circle with an earthen mixture.

In order not to change the structure of the soil, you need to water the garden hydrangea with water with a minimum lime content. The ideal option would be rainwater. If it is not possible to collect it, then you can water it with tap water. But it must first be defended.

Hydrangea, the care and preparation for winter of which begins even at the moment of spring awakening, needs pruning. Inspect the bushes and cut off all the frozen parts from them. Look for escapes. Remove those that have irregular shape or small thickness. Don't be afraid to shorten the bush. This procedure will benefit the plant and contribute to its abundant flowering.

Pruning hydrangeas in the fall is a necessary step in preparing this plant for the winter cold. Many gardeners prune in the fall. At this time of the year, it is preferable to spring pruning. If the plant has not been cut for a long time, then it is not advisable to immediately prune the entire bush. You need to do this in 2-3 seasons.

Large-leaved hydrangeas have flower caps and zero shoots removed in autumn. In the tree-like variety of this flowering shrub shoots are cut into 2-4 buds. Weak shoots need to be shortened by a third. Panicled hydrangea is cleaned of panicles and carried out sanitary pruning. Don't be afraid to shrink the bush. He will only benefit from this and will delight you in the summer.

Hydrangea in autumn preparing for winter - pruning

How to winterize hydrangeas

When should hydrangeas be covered for the winter? It all depends on the region where it grows. It is necessary to cover the bushes of this plant before the appearance of the first frost. If at night the temperature drops to zero degrees, then you can already begin to prepare material for shelter.

To understand the algorithm for preparing this plant for winter, it is important to know its type. The most fastidious, large-leaved type of hydrangea needs mandatory shelter for the winter. On the one hand, this will help the plant to endure the cold winter well, and on the other hand, protect its shoots.

The fact is that the large-leaved hydrangea blooms from the shoots of the last season. They are the “weakest” part of the bush of this plant, and even with a slight frost they can die. In the "best" case, such a bush will not bloom. At worst, he will not be able to endure low temperatures.

How to cover a large-leaved hydrangea

Hydrangea large-leaved variety "Red baron"

It is desirable to cover large-leaved hydrangea in most regions of our country. Before this, it is necessary to hill the bushes and mulch with dry earth. This will reduce the amount of moisture. Lay the boards around the bush and drive nails into them (not completely). Press the hydrangea shoots against them and secure with a rope. This must be done very carefully. so that the plant is not damaged. Sprinkle leaves on the shoots and cover with special material.

Preparing for the winter tree hydrangea

Hydrangea garden or tree

The tree-like hydrangea is best "adapted" to our winter. But it is better to cover it for the winter. So the plant will more easily endure frosts and come out of hibernation faster. This type of hydrangea can be distinguished by corymbose white inflorescences, which are painted in a light green tint. At what temperature should it be covered? Since this plant is not afraid of light cold weather, it can be covered already at the first frost.

IMPORTANT: When sheltering a tree hydrangea, pay attention to young shoots. In order for them not to break under them, you need to put spruce branches or bags of sawdust.

Breeders are constantly developing new varieties of hydrangeas. It is noticed that the flower has large buds, the worse its frost resistance. This is true for all types of garden plant. And if at the time of severe frosts the flowering buds are affected, then you will not wait for flowering. Therefore, cover any kind of hydrangea. The plant will not suffer from this, but it can suffer from severe frost.

How to cover young shoots of a plant

It is also necessary to cover the bushes so that a thick layer of wet snow does not break them. Wet snow is especially dangerous for young shoots. Under the weight of snow, they can not stand it.

The most dangerous and difficult period is the first wintering of hydrangeas. Regardless of the type of plant, young shoots need shelter. Before this, you need to cut the seedling, leaving 9 - 10 cm. All remaining leaves are removed from it and the bush is covered with dry peat. You can strengthen the "protection" of a young hydrangea with the help of coniferous branches, which are then covered with a film.

For shelter young plant the "Sunshine" method will do. Shoots bend to the ground from the center in different directions. They need to be carefully fixed, and the center of the bush should be covered with peat and dry leaves. Then the bush is covered with spruce branches and a layer of agrofiber. If winters in your region are windy, then everything can be covered with boards from above. This will reduce the risk of structural failure from strong gusts of wind.

Taking care of panicle hydrangea

Hydrangea paniculate variety"Pinky Winky"

This hydrangea has an excellent appearance. It blooms from mid-summer until the first frost. Panicle inflorescences reach a length of 40 cm. When opened, they make this variety of hydrangea an ideal decoration for your garden.

Frost can beat panicle hydrangea shoots. But she, as a rule, quickly moves away from this and by the time of flowering she is gaining the necessary strength.

If your climate does not allow you to leave the hydrangea without shelter, then you can do this in a simple way. Build a mesh structure around the plant, which will be 7-10 cm higher than the bush. Pour dry leaves inside without fruit trees. From above, cover everything with waterproof material: film, roofing felt, etc. What to hide? Today you can use special covering materials: spunbond, film, roofing material, etc. Choose a material that allows air to pass through. This will prevent the shoots from rotting.

You can cover panicled hydrangea and traditional way. Break coniferous spruce branches and lay under a bush. Then press it to the ground and fix it. From above, the bushes must be covered with covering material. If winters in your area are severe, then you can repeat the layers of such a “pie”. But this must be done so that under the weight, reinforced by wet snow, the shoots do not break.

Although this type of hydrangea does not always need shelter, this method of protecting plants from winter frosts will definitely not be superfluous. The work of preparing the bushes for winter is not very difficult and time-consuming. Therefore, it should not be neglected. Especially if you want to get bright flowering from a paniculate hydrangea.

How to cover a hydrangea for the winter

Autumn top dressing and preparation for winter

Well can help hydrangeas to overwinter autumn dressing. This can be done with potassium sulfate. Fertilizing with nitrogenous fertilizers in the fall should be abandoned.

In early autumn, this plant needs to be fed with rotted manure. Apply 20 kg of this fertilizer under each bush. In this way, you can not only feed the plant, but also protect the roots from low temperatures. Top the root circle with dry leaves.
Many types of hydrangeas tolerate winter frosts well. But in order to minimize the risk from severe frosts, cover even the most resistant species of this plant. Especially if the winter in your area is quite cold. Thanks to the shelter, the plants will quickly come out of hibernation and begin to bloom earlier.

Video "Hydrangea preparation for winter"

In the middle lane, many hydrangeas cover for the winter. Therefore, with the onset of cold weather, these plants need special care. We will tell you what to do with hydrangeas in the fall and how to help her winter safely.

We have already talked about what garden hydrangea in the fall needs competent pruning. However, this is not the only procedure that must be carried out before the onset of winter.

Transplanting Hydrangeas in the Fall

If the autumn is quite warm or you live in a region with a mild climate, then you can do a shrub transplant. At this time, only paniculate and tree-like hydrangeas are “relocated” to another place. But the landing site is being prepared in the spring. Along the perimeter of the trunk circle, they dig a trench about 30 cm deep and wide, fill it with compost and water it regularly.

Hydrangea is transplanted in September. To do this, the branches of the bush are tied with a rope so that they do not break and do not interfere with your work.

Hydrangea is dug around the outer edge of the trench and carefully removed from the soil, trying not to damage the roots (especially young ones). You don't have to worry about old roots. The plant is transferred to a new place and planted in a prepared hole filled with a nutrient soil mixture with an acidic reaction.

The soil is best prepared from leafy soil, humus, sand and acidic high-moor peat (red) in a ratio of 2: 2: 1: 1.

After planting, the hydrangea is watered and the soil is compacted. Wherein root collar bush should be at ground level. In order for the plant to take root better in a new place, it is recommended to carry out anti-aging pruning (all branches “to zero”).

Propagation of hydrangeas in autumn

Also at this time, you can propagate the plant by layering, offspring (shoots) and dividing the bush. But hydrangea cuttings not carried out in autumn. The shrub is propagated by green cuttings in summer.

How to propagate hydrangea cuttings - step-by-step instruction for newbies

A detailed master class with a photo on propagating hydrangeas with green cuttings.

In September-October, if necessary, the old hydrangea bushes are divided and the divisions are transplanted to new places. Pre-sections on the roots are treated with crushed coal.

Reproduction by layering unproductive, but you can still try this method. To do this, tilt a low-growing branch, pin it to the soil in a pre-made groove 15 cm deep and water it. The top should be above the ground. With the onset of cold weather, the layers are carefully covered.

AT next year the groove is carefully dug up, the coppice shoot is separated, trying not to damage the roots of the uterine bush, after which this shoot is planted for growing in a school for 1 or 2 years, and then transplanted to a permanent place.

But the most important procedure carried out in the fall is the thorough preparation of the shrub for winter. This is especially true for large-leaved hydrangea (macrophiles).

Preparing for the winter of large-leaved hydrangea

This garden hydrangea needs the most thorough preparation for winter and reliable shelter, as it is more afraid of frost than other species. The fact is that this capricious beauty blooms on the shoots of last year. And if flower buds freeze on them in autumn, then next year there will be no flowers.

Preparations for wintering begin in mid-September. First of all, all the lower leaves are cut to the middle of the bush (the upper leaves are not touched). This will speed up the process of lignification of the shoots. After that, the shrub is fed with phosphorus-potassium fertilizer: 40-60 g of superphosphate and 30 g of potassium salt or 25 g of potassium sulfate are applied per 1 sq.m of soil.

After 3-4 weeks in October, without waiting for strong night frosts, the large-leaved hydrangea begins to gradually warm up. This plant is not afraid of decay, so it is better to cover it in advance than to be late.

The bush is tied and covered with two layers of spunbond with a density of at least 60 g / sq.m.

Shelter of hydrangeas for the winter

How to properly cover the hydrangea for the winter, so that in the spring it will again decorate the garden with renewed vigor.

How to cover a hydrangea for the winter and should it be done at all?

We answer the question of how to properly cover the hydrangea for the winter in order to achieve lush flowering in the summer.

Preparing for winter tree hydrangea

Bush tree hydrangea in summer it is strewn with white corymbose inflorescences, which eventually acquire a greenish tint. Most varieties of this variety are unpretentious, so they do not need shelter for the winter. However, modern large-flowered forms, which came to us from nurseries in warm regions, require light hilling. This helps protect the root system from the cold.

Tree-like hydrangeas bloom on the shoots of the current year. Therefore, if it freezes in winter top part shoots, it will have almost no effect on flowering. You can often find advice that for the winter you do not need to cut off faded inflorescences so that the plants overwinter better. This is true, but under the weight of snow accumulating on the inflorescences, the shoots can break. Therefore, in late autumn, it is better to remove faded inflorescences (at least the largest ones) and non-lignified parts of shoots that are unlikely to successfully overwinter in the hydrangea tree. Fallen leaves must be collected and burned.

Preparing for winter paniculate hydrangea

Hydrangea paniculata is taller compared to the tree-like "sister". And she has more dark leaves, young shoots have a burgundy-brown hue, and the inflorescences are not spherical, but pyramidal.

Hydrangea paniculata also blooms on the shoots of the current year, so it winters well without shelter. However, in order to preserve the root system in the fall, it is recommended to spud the bushes with garden soil, peat or rotted manure - a layer of 15-20 cm. This is the whole care for panicled hydrangea in autumn.

Now you know how to take care of different types hydrangeas in autumn. We hope these tips help you keep luxury shrubs during even the harshest winter.

Hydrangea looks unusually impressive at the time of flowering. Today, the plant has regained its former popularity and is actively used in landscape design. Hydrangea is called by many the queen of the garden. The shrub is used to create single and group compositions, acts as a hedge, decorates the entrance to a house or gazebo. To maintain the magnificent shape of the hydrangea, pruning is necessary, which should be carried out according to certain rules.

Do I need to prune hydrangeas in the fall

Autumn pruning of hydrangeas is part of the preparations for the plant for winter. Representatives of the hydrangea family are very diverse, there are about 80 species in total. Each variety tolerates winter cold in its own way. Plant care also depends on the climate in which it is grown.

In the autumn, pest control is carried out, transplantation is carried out if necessary, and shrub propagation. Pruning is considered an important technique that affects the nature of hydrangea flowering. What specific haircut-related activities should be carried out on the eve of winter?

First of all, all dry inflorescences are removed. In winter, snow can accumulate on them - this will lead to the fact that thin branches break off under its weight. In addition, thinning and sanitary pruning will not interfere with the plant. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of a particular type of hydrangea.

On a note! Beginners need to know that hydrangea pruning starts at 2-3 years of age. Only after the bush has grown strong shoots, they begin to form it.

This procedure should be puzzled after the onset of the first frost. Nothing bad will happen even if it snows. The shoots will already lose their leaves at this point, and it will be clearly visible which of the branches is better to leave and which to remove.

If the foliage is still left on the shrub, there is a risk that after pruning the plant will release young shoots from the lateral buds. This will weaken the bush before wintering. Therefore, try to delay pruning shoots as long as possible.

Main advantage autumn pruning gardeners believe that it is impossible to be late with it, unlike a spring haircut. Summer residents do not always have the opportunity to visit their site in early spring. If the hydrangea woke up from hibernation, and the movement of juices began, pruning can weaken it so much that flowering does not occur.

The procedure is often carried out in two stages. Part of the work can be carried out in the fall, and the final pruning is done in the spring. Postpone in the spring and the first pruning of young bushes aged 2-3 years. It is more convenient for beginners to cut hydrangeas in the spring, since the buds are more visible at this time of the year.

If you do this in the fall, then it is better to leave a reserve on the shoots, and make a correction in March. right time for shortening branches also depends on the varietal variety. Tree and paniculate hydrangeas can be cut in autumn and spring, as well as carry out the procedure in stages. For a large-leaved representative of the family, only spring pruning is recommended.

Shoots should be shortened at the moment when biological processes in plant tissues slow down and the shrub is preparing for a state of complete rest. In hydrangea, this period begins after leaf fall. The most direct influence on the life cycle of a shrub is the weather, so the exact timing of pruning in each region will be different.

In the suburbs, the middle lane

Central Russia, including the Moscow region, is located in a zone with a temperate continental climate. Summers are warm here, and winters are snowy and moderately frosty. small subzero temperature It is set, as a rule, at the beginning of November, at the same time the snow cover falls on the ground.

In the Urals, in Siberia

The Urals are characterized by low winter temperatures. When choosing a hydrangea for planting in this region, it is better to focus on varieties adapted to the harsh climate. Tree and panicle hydrangeas are considered the most tolerant of frosts. Hydrangea pruning in this region is reduced to the removal of young immature shoots in the fall and sanitary pruning in the spring, when all diseased and dead branches are removed.

Before wintering, the branches are cut by 1/3, and too long can be cut in half. On varieties with large inflorescences, it is recommended to cut only the balls, and shorten the branches in the fall. This procedure should be done around mid-October.

In Siberia summer does not last long, so the hydrangea branches should be cut off by no more than 1/3 in the fall, otherwise the next season the bush simply will not have time to grow enough green mass and bloom. Cardinal pruning is done here only when the bush is old and needs rejuvenation.

Autumn hydrangea shearing serves to maintain the health of the bush and abundant flowering. Spring pruning gives the plant a neat appearance and beautiful shape. In autumn, haircut manipulations are carried out at the end of September, after which the hydrangea is covered for the upcoming winter.

In the Leningrad region

AT Leningrad region summer is relatively short and cool, and autumn and winter come earlier than in the middle lane. Autumn pruning of hydrangeas in this area is best done superficially so that annual shoots have time to grow in length and bloom.

To shorten the branches begin after leaf fall. Approximate dates - the first half of October. A haircut at the right time will not negative influence on the plant, and even vice versa - it will benefit him. Any hydrangea can live and bloom without pruning, but it is unlikely to become a decoration of the garden in this case, as the bush will have an untidy and disheveled appearance.

How to trim for beginners (diagram)

Inexperienced gardeners often lack the knowledge to care for their plants. However, it is not necessary to learn from your own mistakes. It is enough to study the information in advance to ensure landings proper care. Since the pruning of each variety of hydrangea has its own characteristics, they must be taken into account. Consider how to properly cut in autumn time hydrangea of any kind.

Paniculata

In the case of panicled hydrangea, do not be too zealous. Skeletal branches, those that grow from one point, do not touch. You need to cut only incorrectly growing shoots - curves directed inside the bush. Be sure to remove faded panicles on the shoots of this year. If this is not done, young fragile branches may break off under the weight of snow.

Pruning of inflorescences is carried out together with a part of the shoot, leaving 3-4 lower buds on it. With this formation, the bush in the spring will look lush and neat at the same time. If the panicled hydrangea already needs rejuvenation, from the shoots that take growth at one point, one healthy strong one is left, directed outward, and the rest of the branches are cut off at the root. In the spring, extinct shoots are cut off and the bush is given its final shape.

On a note! This type of hydrangea can be formed on a trunk, then the bush will resemble a small decorative tree, more like a bouquet.

Young seedlings of hydrangea tree do not touch the first 3-4 years. By violating this rule, you can provoke the death of the bush. In a young bush, only faded inflorescences are removed. 3-4 pairs of buds must remain on the shoots, from which new branches will subsequently grow, forming a lush crown.

In this form, the shrub is covered and stored until spring. When the bush is old, rejuvenating pruning is carried out. After it, stumps 10 cm high should remain on the plant, which will give an impetus active growth new branches.

Important! It is better to carry out anti-aging pruning with a gentle method, stretching for 2-3 years, otherwise the roots may not be enough. nutrients and the plant will die.

Large-leaved hydrangea blooms on second-year shoots, so it is important to preserve them during wintering. In autumn, only the bush is cleaned, in which diseased weak or old lower branches are removed. The upper branches hibernate under cover, in the spring they are examined and those that have suffered from frost are cut out. This variety of hydrangea often sprouts from zero shoots, but there are almost no flower buds on the lower branches.

For this variety, pruning of the shoots immediately after flowering is recommended so that the plant has time to grow new branches before the onset of winter. Thinning the bush is carried out by cutting the shoots directed inward. In order to rejuvenate the large-leaved hydrangea, every 3 years some of the old shoots are cut to a height of 30-40 cm.

Before covering the plant, cut out old and diseased branches. Pruning also depends on the climate in which this representative of hydrangeas is grown. If the summer is long and warm, deeper pruning can be done.

On a note! A radical haircut of large-leaved hydrangea is allowed in central Russia, in the Kuban and in the southern regions. In the Urals, in Siberia and the Leningrad Region, only surface pruning is allowed.

AT rainy autumn Hydrangeas do not require watering. If the weather is dry, the soil under the plant must be moistened until the night air temperature approaches zero. The last feeding should be done in mid-September. phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. Her task is to nourish the roots, exhausted after summer flowering. Fertilizers are applied to granular form, they are scattered in the near-stem circle of the hydrangea and slightly mixed with the ground.

Attention! It is forbidden to apply nitrogen fertilizers at the end of summer and autumn, as this can provoke the growth of green mass, which is inappropriate at this time of the year.

After pruning, the hydrangea bush is covered for wintering. This is especially important for non-hardy varieties and hydrangea, which is grown in the northern regions. Shelter of the upper part of the plant should occur with the onset of the first frost. The soil is pre-mulched with sawdust or peat.

The standard method is to use wooden box or agrofibre. The branches are bent to the ground, and then they are covered with a box or thrown agrofibre. Lapnik is additionally laid on top. Some gardeners use frame structures built around the bush to protect it. Dry foliage is poured inside the frame, and a layer of needles needs to be laid on top. The frame method is mainly used to cover large adult plants whose branches are difficult to bend to the ground.

Pruning tree hydrangea in autumn: video

Without proper pruning, it is impossible to get a well-groomed, magnificent flowering bush hydrangeas. Do not neglect this technique, and every year the queen of the garden will delight you with large, spectacular inflorescences to the envy of all neighbors.

Visible behind the fence of almost everyone garden plot. Large, with caps of inflorescences, smaller and more modest, or only in leaves. The decorative effect of this popular and not too picky shrub is influenced by the climate, the weather during the growing season, its age and, of course, our concern. What can be done in the fall to ensure hydrangeas look healthy and bloom profusely next summer? First of all, this is the correct pruning and competent shelter for the winter.

Is autumn pruning of hydrangeas required?

Often, gardeners wonder whether it is necessary to carry out autumn pruning of hydrangeas. Some flower growers spend it only in the spring, and some do without pruning at all, preferring not to injure the plant in any way. Experience shows that carefully thought out and correctly carried out pruning is needed to preserve the hydrangea, profuse annual flowering and create the desired shape of the bush.

Attention! With improper pruning, the hydrangea may not bloom at all.

It all depends on the type of plant. Paniculata, tree-like and large-leaved hydrangeas are the most loved and widespread. Other species are also cultivated - Bretschneider's hydrangea, petiolate, serrate, ashy. The first of them bloom on the shoots of the current year, others - on last year's.

hydrangea bloom

According to the type of flowering, hydrangeas are divided into two groups, requiring a different approach to pruning. They are represented by:

the first group is a large-leaved hydrangea;
the second group is paniculate and tree-like hydrangeas.

Pruning hydrangeas of the first group

Paniculata hydrangea should be cut like a tree, without touching the skeletal branches. If there are several shoots growing from the same place, keep only those that grow outward. Remove old and damaged shoots. Remember, panicled hydrangea loves moderate pruning and will respond to it. large quantity panicle inflorescences. At the same time at in large numbers shoots accumulating from year to year thicken, the plant weakens, the inflorescences become smaller.

Attention! The purpose of pruning young panicled hydrangeas is the formation of a bush, adults - thinning and rejuvenation.

With the help of pruning, you can get the usual bush or standard shape (a sort of bouquet on a stick, very impressive).

For tree-like hydrangeas, only sanitary pruning is carried out in autumn, removing bruised, dried up or damaged shoots by pests. Remove dry inflorescences. Do you want to rejuvenate the bush? Cut it ruthlessly, leaving no more than 10 cm shoots.

Hydrangea pruning scheme

Pruning hydrangeas of the second group

In autumn, young shoots that have not yet bloomed cannot be cut off from large-leaved hydrangeas, because flower buds have already been formed on them, which will bloom next summer. The purpose of autumn pruning is the rehabilitation of the bush and its rejuvenation. In this type of hydrangea, the shoots live fruitfully for 4-6 years. Every fall, cut back to the very base part of the old shoots - you will get strong replacement shoots and good flowering.

Advice. To give the bush a compact shape and maintain it, completely cut out slanting and crossing shoots.

How to save hydrangeas in winter - shelter for the winter

Before leaving for the winter, decide whether you need to cover the hydrangea in your area:

evaluate the climatic features of winter in your region:
evaluate the winter hardiness of hydrangeas;
choose the appropriate type of cover.

Attention! Wintering affects the survival of the plant, its condition in the future growing season, the duration and quality of flowering.

According to the decrease in winter hardiness, the types of hydrangeas are arranged in this order:

paniculate;
treelike;
large-leaved.

Paniculata hydrangea tolerates cold better than other species. She can overwinter without shelter, and if she freezes, she will quickly recover in the spring. For her, it is enough to mulch the near-stem circle - to protect the root system.

Pruning will help hydrangeas rejuvenate

The next species in terms of cold resistance is tree-like hydrangea. mature plant can survive the winter well without shelter, also with a mulched trunk circle. In young plants in cold winters, young shoots often freeze slightly.

Large-leaved hydrangea is thermophilic. She can go through the winter period without shelter only if the bush is small, bent to the ground and completely covered with snow from 70 cm thick.

Advice. large-leaved hydrangea and young (up to 4 years old) bushes of paniculate and tree-like hydrangeas should be covered for the winter.

Prepare the hydrangea for the upcoming winter: a few weeks before the shelter, stop watering, go with nitrogen fertilizers on phosphorus-potassium; immediately before shelter, remove dry leaves, except for the top ones of the large-leaved species (they will protect the flower buds from the cold).

Ways to shelter hydrangeas for the winter

First way- leaves. Follow the steps:

tie the branches with a rope;
tilt the branches to the ground and fix them, for example, with wire pins or a rope to the driven pegs;
fill the plant with foliage;
fix the shelter, for example, with stones.

Second way- spruce spruce branches. Follow the steps:

cover the soil around the bush with spruce branches;
lay the shoots on the spruce branches;
fix the shoots on the spruce branches;
lay another layer of spruce branches on top;
cover with covering material or a simple cloth;
secure cover.

Shelter will help hydrangeas endure the winter

Third way- air-dry shelter. Follow the steps:

sprinkle the base of the bush with dry earth;
tilt the bush, but not too close to the ground;
fix inclined shoots;
install a low frame of boards or wire so that the snow completely covers it and is strong enough to withstand a layer of snow;
cover the frame with non-woven material, thick paper, on top - waterproof and opaque material; leave holes for ventilation;
after the onset of cold weather and snowfall, close the openings.

Organize a reliable wintering for your hydrangea and in the summer you will observe it in all its glory.