Hydrangeas will thrive through winter if gardeners do 5 key tasks

As the colder months approach, it’s important to keep your hydrangeas healthy and protected from frost – here are five things you need to do now.Vita Molyneux Travel reporter and Ellen Jenne U35 Spare Time Writer

15:41, 01 Nov 2025

As the colder months approach, it’s important to keep your hydrangeas healthy and protected from frost – here are five things you need to do now(Image: Grace Cary via Getty Images)

Autumn and winter can be a tricky time to attempt to take care of plants and flowers, especially with the impending first frost looming.

Hydrangeas, with their large, stunning blooms, are a favourite amongst British households.

However, as winter frosts loom, it’s crucial to take proper care of these flowers. Hydrangeas are particularly susceptible to frost, which can result in blackened, wilted leaves.

To safeguard your plants from the chillier months, there are five steps you need to take immediately – but first, you must identify the type of hydrangea you have, as advised by Southern Living.

New wood hydrangeas blossom on the new wood that sprouts in spring, while old wood hydrangeas form flower buds during their active growth phase in summer.

New wood needs pruning whilst it’s dormant in winter, and old wood should be pruned straight after blooming in the spring and summer.

Hydrangeas will benefit from winter care(Image: Getty)

If your hydrangeas are potted, ensure you water them roughly once a month to maintain moist soil throughout winter, reports the Express.

Aim to water them during the day when temperatures are above freezing. Mulching will also benefit potted hydrangeas.

Five things to do now to protect your hydrangeas from the cold and frost

1. Remove any broken or diseased branches.

2. Avoid pruning old wood, and wait until after the first frost to prune new wood.

3. Gather any dried blooms from the plant.

4. Water deeply — make sure the earth is damp at least three inches down.

5. Mulch them; mulching your hydrangeas will protect the roots from colder weather. Just make sure you leave a two-inch gap around the main stem of your hydrangea.