When autumn rolls around, and my garden is draped in golden hues, I find myself giving special attention to my hydrangeas. These beauties have been the pride of my garden all summer, and now it’s time to ensure they’ll come back even more stunning next year. Through a mix of trial, error, and a bit of online digging, I’ve found that preparing hydrangeas in the autumn is key to their health and blooms. Here’s my personal guide to what works best.
1. Prune with Purpose (or Not at All!)
When I first started gardening, I assumed pruning meant hacking everything back in the fall. Big mistake! I learned the hard way that hydrangeas are fussy about timing. Some types, like bigleaf and oakleaf hydrangeas, bloom on old wood, so pruning in the fall can mean no flowers come spring.
Instead, I now take a close look at my plants. If they bloom on old wood, I stick to removing dead or damaged branches only. For hydrangeas that bloom on new wood, like panicle or smooth hydrangeas, light pruning in autumn can actually help.
2. Tidy Up the Base
Every autumn, I do a thorough clean-up around the base of my hydrangeas. Fallen leaves and debris might seem harmless, but they can harbour pests and diseases. I carefully remove everything, making sure the soil is neat and clear. I’ll admit, it’s oddly satisfying to see a tidy plant ready to face winter!
3. Add a Blanket of Mulch
When the first frost hit my garden one year, I realised I hadn’t mulched my hydrangeas, and they looked miserable by spring. Since then, a layer of mulch has become my go-to autumn ritual.
I spread a couple of inches of organic mulch—like shredded bark or compost—around the base, making sure not to pile it against the stems. This keeps the roots insulated from extreme cold and prevents moisture loss during winter.
4. Water Deeply Before the Frost
One of the most surprising things I learned was how crucial autumn watering is. I used to think the cooler weather meant less watering, but hydrangeas need their roots to be well-hydrated before the ground freezes.
I give them a deep soak a few times in late autumn, especially if it’s been a dry season. Watching the water sink into the soil, I always feel a sense of accomplishment, knowing I’m helping them survive winter.
5. Protect Against Harsh Winters
If you live in a colder climate like I do, winter can be tough on hydrangeas. I’ve started wrapping my bigleaf hydrangeas in burlap to shield them from freezing winds.
It’s a bit of a faff the first time you try, but trust me, it’s worth it. I loosely tie the stems together, wrap them in burlap, and secure it with twine. My plants look a bit like oversized burritos, but they stay safe and snug all winter.
6. Don’t Forget Fertiliser—But Not Too Late!
I used to think fertilising was a spring-only job, but autumn feeding can help hydrangeas build up reserves for winter. A slow-release, low-nitrogen fertiliser works best for me.
That said, timing is everything. Fertilising too late in the season can encourage new growth that won’t survive the frost. I usually do this in early autumn and then stop altogether by late October.
7. Take Cuttings for New Plants
One of my favourite autumn activities is propagating my hydrangeas. I mean, who doesn’t love free plants?
I take semi-hardwood cuttings—those not-too-soft, not-too-hard stems—and root them indoors. It’s such a joy watching them sprout roots over winter. By spring, I’ve got new hydrangeas ready to plant or gift to friends.
Why Autumn Care Matters
Every autumn, as I go through these steps, I feel a sense of connection to my garden. Taking care of my hydrangeas isn’t just about blooms for next year—it’s about nurturing something beautiful and knowing that my effort will pay off.
When spring arrives and those first vibrant blooms burst open, I always take a moment to admire them, knowing that their beauty started with the care I gave them in the chilly days of autumn.
So, if you’re lucky enough to have hydrangeas gracing your garden, don’t skip their autumn prep. Trust me, your future self—and your plants—will thank you.