Winter Care for Common Hydrangeas in Atlanta: When to Cover and Which Varieties Rebloom

Q: I have a pair of 4-year-old common hydrangeas. How to overwinter? Need to cover to protect next year's blooms from frost and hard freeze?

Generally not necessary in Atlanta to do anything special. Gene Griffith, co-owner of Wilkerson Mill Gardens (www.hydrangea.com) says they withstand 0-10°F fine. However, severe damage can occur if an early warm front in March tricks flower buds into thinking it's spring. Freezing after buds swell causes partial or total flower loss. If this threatens, cover with lightweight polypropylene frost cloth anchored to ground with stones or firewood.