21/03/2024
To All Hydrangea macrophylla Lovers
A Serious Cold Warning Tonight, March 21-22
I’ve been monitoring the weather closely these past few weeks as late winter, very early spring can often bring significant cold snaps that can threaten early bud opening so common with our beloved H. macrophylla species.
And tonight – beginning about 10:00 pm and continuing until 8:00 or 9:00 am tomorrow morning, the temperatures will be below freezing with a 29F to 26F span from 2:00 am til 8:00 am. This latter cold duration can devastate the recently unfurling buds on your H. macrophyllas.
Although not a great solution, the only short-term potential help is covering your most favored or fragile plants with old bedclothes, tarps, burlap, white poly film, etc. late this afternoon to provide some insulating help. Multiple layers are beneficial but short notice as this is, you’ll be doing your best to cover even a few plants. Priority-wise, cover those plants having the most expanded bud condition as they will surely be damaged. And do remove your coverings when the temp rises above freezing.
It is unfortunate to have this cold snap after an easy Zone 8 winter. We had the same conditions and occurrence – almost to the day – in 2022. Looking ahead, we’ll be above freezing through the end of March. Such it is – one more time.
Mal…the Hydrangea Guy
