Cold-Climate Hydrangeas
Gardening Tip for Gardeners in Colder Zones
The vigorous Hydrangeas below are garden favorites because they flower despite the severity of the winter in cold climates. H. arborescens and paniculata varieties blossom on the current season’s growth, with new shoots emerging from the base that produce blooms the same summer. H. serrata ‘Blue Billow’ blooms on the previous season’s growth, which must carry the flower buds through the winter. Yet it has shown exceptional hardiness here in Connecticut by blooming even after a tough, cold winter. Recent H. macrophylla varieties flower on new growth as well as year-old stems, so blooms are assured even after a cold winter. Please note: For gardeners in Zone 5, we advise planting H. macrophyllas in a sheltered location and giving them a winter mulch. This will provide protection from winds and cold temperatures that can damage flower buds.
