Hydrangeas & Frost Damage
While the last two winters had record breaking low temps, 2015 was relatively mild with only one major snowfall. But just as plants were beginning to show new growth, Mother Nature had one last cold snap on April 9th and with it, a light snowfall. Although hydrangea is typically a hardy plant, its had a very rough time with these fluctuating temperatures.
What’s in a Name?
Just a look at the name Hydrangea and you can understand how much this plant depends on water. Hydrangeas love water and they absorb it quickly. Frost damage occurs when the temperature above ground and under ground is at or below freezing. This causes the water inside the plant to freeze and since ice expands, frozen plant cells become damaged.
Proper Identification
Knowing how to revive this plant after frost damage sets in depends on the variety of the plant and it’s growth habits. Hydrangea has over 75 species and within that there are hundreds of cultivars. That said, proper species identification is best done by a professional horticulturalist when evaluating the rejuvenation effort. Call us!
Desired Changes like Color & Size
If you wish to reduce the size of your hydrangea for next year, we can arrange a cut back after this year’s blooms are finished. Did you know we can also gradually change the color of the blooms? Our skilled plant technicians know just the right pH formulations to change petals from pink to blue to purple.
Macrophylla
Tell us what you want to see and we’ll work to make it happen!
The Paniculata (R) bloom on the current year’s growth. Other species such as the Macrophylla (L) are more diverse in their growth habits.
Paniculata
