MrsLuckett which hydrangeas are they? Depending on how hardy they are will require different over winter protection. Let us know and we can help you through it.

They're Hydrangea macrophylla Endless Summer everblooming.

Most Endless Summers are hardy to zone 4. So it is easy. Keep them moist in the fall so the root ball can freeze and not lose moisture. When they go dormant (the leaves fall off) you can take them in the garage. You can also leave them outside for winter interest until just before you get a really hard cold frost. Check them once a month or so and make sure they aren't totally dry, frozen is good. When the danger of a heavy frost has past take them out. Thats it!

SCG

And it might not even be necessary to take them in the garage, IF you get a really good snow cover that lasts all winter. Generally, if a plant is hardy to a certain zone, it's not the freezing temperatures in that zone that can kill the plant. What kills plants is when the soil or medium around the roots freezes and thaws, freezes and thaws, repeatedly. This heaves the roots right out of the soil and can kill the plant.

I live in Zone 5 and keep all kinds of plants in pots year around. I do lose one now and then, but not often. BUT, I live in an area where we generally have a 30-40 inch snow cover at all times. Once it starts snowing in the early winter we just rarely see the ground again until at least April (Lake Superior lake effect snow here). So those potted roots are well insulated by snow and stay frozen until spring.

But, if you leave them out, you do have to be prepared that you might lose one, and nice size hydrangeas are not a small loss.

Hi,

Long-time lurker, first time poster.

I want to keep my hydrangea in pots outside for the winter but I am concerned the pots will break since they are terra cotta. What kind of container is better for this?

Thanks!