Katharina Regenthal

November 12, 2025, 8:41 am | Read time: 4 minutes

Which Hydrangeas Are Winter-Hardy–and Which Are Not?

Most hydrangea species are winter-hardy and have no problem with the cold. These include, among others, panicle hydrangeas and mophead hydrangeas. They form their buds on new shoots only in the spring and are frost-resistant. Therefore, they do not require extra protection. If frost damage does occur, it can be removed during pruning in the spring. Additionally, in regions with very long and cold winters, it is advisable to protect the plant at least in the root area.

The climbing hydrangea is also considered winter-hardy, but it forms its buds on the previous year’s wood, and this already happens in the fall. These flower buds are sensitive to frost. Therefore, frost protection is recommended for climbing hydrangeas–as well as for the well-known bigleaf and lacecap hydrangeas. They are mainly kept as potted plants, sometimes even as houseplants. As a result, they are increasingly bred as such, at the expense of winter hardiness. These two types are therefore not fully winter-hardy and require appropriate protection.

Related: What to Do if Hydrangeas Don’t Bloom?

Overwintering Hydrangeas in the Garden

As mentioned earlier, panicle and mophead hydrangeas are considered winter-hardy–yet they should be protected, especially in the root area, in particularly frosty regions. A layer of leaves, mulch, or twigs is recommended.

The climbing hydrangea also needs cold protection, preferably in the form of a mulch layer. For bigleaf and lacecap hydrangeas, which are not fully winter-hardy, a mulch layer should also be applied for protection. This is especially true for newly planted hydrangeas, where root development is not yet pronounced. In extreme subzero temperatures, additional protection in the garden with fleece, burlap, or bubble wrap is advisable.

Overwintering Hydrangeas in Pots

Hydrangeas that are cultivated in pots rather than in beds can also overwinter outside and do not need to be brought indoors. However, they should be protected from frost if necessary. To do this, wrap the pot with either fleece or bubble wrap.

Additionally, the right location is important–a spot against a house wall or a covered or wind-protected corner is recommended. On particularly cold days, protection from below is also advisable by placing the pot on Styrofoam or something similar. If the pot is very small, the risk of the soil freezing increases. In this case, a place such as a garage or basement is recommended.

Also interesting: Do Rusty Nails Really Help Hydrangeas Bloom Abundantly?

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"Easy Garden" Beware of Late Frost: How to Protect Your Plants from the Cold

Can You Overwinter Hydrangeas Indoors?

Hydrangeas should not be brought indoors for overwintering. For the plant, winter is an important rest period. If it does not get this, it may result in few or no new flower buds, leading to sparse blooming. Therefore, if you place the hydrangea in a greenhouse, basement, or garage, ensure that temperatures do not rise above 41 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tip: An ideal location is frost-free but not too warm, with little light.

Proper Care in Winter

Even though hydrangeas are in a rest period, they still require care. The roots of hydrangeas overwintering in a rain-protected location risk drying out. Therefore, hobby gardeners should water them occasionally in winter. However, waterlogging should be avoided–hydrangeas need significantly less water than in summer. Plants that are outdoors do not require additional watering.

Note: The plants do not need fertilizer during this time–only when winter slowly turns to spring. Then, a special hydrangea fertilizer can be used.