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Absolutely, beyond just pruning, providing proper watering and mulching in the fall is crucial for the well-being and protection of your plants.
Regardless of whether you have summer or fall-blooming hydrangeas, it’s essential to ensure they stay adequately hydrated and shielded before winter sets in. Hydrangeas rely on moisture at their root level to maintain productive roots and store energy for the blooms of the upcoming year.
As a general guideline, hydrangea bushes should receive about an inch of rain or water per week. Allowing them to dry out in the late fall months can lead to a reduction in blooms for the following year.
Mulching your bushes in the fall is incredibly beneficial in retaining crucial moisture in the soil. It also serves to keep competing weeds at bay. Additionally, mulch acts as insulation for the roots, protecting them from the fluctuations of freezing and thawing that winter can bring. This is particularly important for safeguarding the plant’s root system during the colder months.
In mid to late fall, applying a layer of shredded hardwood bark or shredded leaves, about four to six inches deep, around the base and along the drip line edge of your hydrangeas is sufficient to provide effective insulation.
The drip line is essentially the perimeter where the outermost branches of the bush extend to. Mulching up to this point ensures the entire root system is shielded and well-insulated. This protective layer of mulch is instrumental in safeguarding the plant’s roots during the winter months.
Fertilizing Hydrangeas – Fall Hydrangea Care
You’ve got it spot on! When it comes to fertilizing, fall is not the time to boost your hydrangeas. Applying fertilizer in the fall can actually be detrimental, as it may lead to unwanted late-season growth. This late growth tends to be fragile and vulnerable to winter damage.
It’s best to reserve fertilizing for early spring and summer to encourage robust growth and blooms during the same season. Here’s to giving your hydrangeas the right care this fall, and preparing them for a spectacular display of flower power next year!
