Protecting Hydrangeas from cold

I use black (not clear) plastic to cover my shrubs when cold emergencies loom. Clear plastic creates a “greenhouse effect” under it whenever the sun shines – even on a frigid day. It has to be removed if the day promises to be bright. Black, on the other hand, reflects sunlight. Air temperature under a black cover seldom rise more than a few degrees. I can leave it in place for several days without harm. Whichever cover you use, remember to anchor the edges firmly to the ground. I use firewood but earth, bricks or rocks could be used just as well.

One option is to replace your common hydrangeas with varieties that rebloom after winter cold:

‘Blushing Bride’ – blossoms start out white with blue or pink tints; bred from Endless Summer®
‘David Ramsey’ – hardy to zone 4; compact plant topping out at 4 feet
‘Decatur Blue’ – exceptional hardiness for northern gardeners
Endless Summer® ‘Bailmer’ – the first remontant to be introduced
‘Mini Penny’ – derived from ‘Penny Mac’; very compact
‘Oak Hill’ – similar to Endless Summer
‘Penny Mac’ – from the garden of Penny McHenry (founder of the American Hydrangea Society)
‘Forever & Ever’ – hardy to Zone 4, compact habit growing 3 feet tall and wide
‘Forever & Ever Double Pink’ – compact habit great for small gardens and containers
‘Forever & Ever Red’ – first red-flowering hydrangea, compact habit