Question about overwintering in pots

8 years ago

I have 2 good size mac’s in pots, planted early summer, a cityline mars (2x2‘) and a twist n shout (3x3’). I asked 2 different nurseries if I should winter protect (wrap and stuff with leaves) and then store the pots in my shed, and both said to sink them in the ground and forget about wrapping since both are rebloomers, and that the plants ’need’ the cold to survive. If the pots are their permanent homes, why is it recommended to plant in ground? Is a non-insulated shed not cold enough? And I read the thread on OW’ing which I’d like to do to get more blooms, but is it unnecessary if in a pot? I’m z6a, Ontario.

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nicholsworth Z6 Indianapolis

8 years ago

I disagree with their advice..cold kills hydrangea buds and next year's blooms..there's a million posts about non blooming macs in cold climates..I've winter protected inground macs outside AND overwintered pots (insulated with leaves inside garbage bags) in my shed..I've had some success with each method..now I have only 1 pot (going in the shed) and 6 outside..I surrounded them with leaf filled bags last year..it wasn't tall enough..had some dead at the top..I will NOT buy any more macs..too much trouble for the few blooms that I get..

the potted Endless Summer Original had drab looking blooms..maybe not enough light..for now I'm putting it back in the shed because I don't have any room left in the best location with the others..

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Comments (6)

cearbhaill (zone 6b Eastern Kentucky)
8 years ago
"I will NOT buy any more macs..too much trouble for the few blooms that I get.."

Funny you say that- this year I pulled out the last of my macs due to 'non-performance/more trouble that they're worth' issues. I kept one more because I haven't decided on its replacement than out of any hope. Too many alternatives available for me to continue with all this poorly rewarded wrapping and hoping nonsense.

And due to this I predict the mildest winter on record :)
B Maggic-Ontario Z6 thanked cearbhaill (zone 6b Eastern Kentucky)
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B Maggic-Ontario Z6
Original Author
8 years ago
I think the reason I’m confused with the nurseries advice is because I realize cold hardiness affects both the roots and branches differently. I’ve heard to zone up if you keep perennials in pots, which is why I thought to keep in shed. I still think winter protection is a good idea for the branches too. So is my reasoning correct? Or am I babying them too much?

I do agree with above that mac’s are kinda fussy based on new easier introductions (paniculatas, which I do have in ground). But I figured I like these particular blooms enough to keep in pots and treat as required as patio decor.
nicholsworth Z6 Indianapolis
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
cearbhaill..you made me laugh when you said "poorly rewarded wrapping and hoping nonsense"..so funny AND true..

B Maggiacomo..macs are best in a milder climate..they do NOT need cold..you're not babying them..to get blooms where it's cold that's what it takes..how many beautiful blooming macs do you see where you live?..I see VERY FEW..only at a nursery lol..
B Maggic-Ontario Z6 thanked nicholsworth Z6 Indianapolis
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
8 years ago
Not babying them at all. In zone 6 and below, requiring winter protection for macs is a given, both in the ground or if being grown in a container. Your shed or unheated garage sounds fine provided the temperatures stay pretty stable at just above freezing.....not much colder or warmer.

It just depends on how much work you want to do to achieve those big colorful blooms. In many cases, growing them in containers is the easiest way to approach this in colder climates, provided you have a suitable space for winter storage.
B Maggic-Ontario Z6 thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
B Maggic-Ontario Z6
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you, glad to hear these comments. Willing to do the work for max blooms!

And now that I think about it, I only see one neighbour in my area with blooming mac’s, I should ask her what she does!

Funny thing is, the one nursery where I purchased from said their 2yr guarantee on hydrangeas only applies to in ground planting. I guess if it doesn’t make it in a pot, I’m out of warranty for a replacement . But I feel I have a better chance with wrapping and in the shed, so that’s what I’ll do and cross my fingers my shed stays around 0 degrees.