Many container gardens feature annual plants you can replace when the seasons change. However, if you have perennial plants in your outdoor pots, you can keep them alive through the winter so they’ll bloom again in spring.

With potted hydrangeas, there are specific ways you can protect them from winter cold and ensure they come back happy and healthy when temperatures warm up again. Here are some tips for winterizing your potted hydrangeas:

Choose the Right Container

Having the right container is crucial for helping your hydrangeas withstand the winter. Some planter materials like clay or untreated terracotta, are not ideal for outdoor use during winter because they absorb excess moisture. Instead, choose a plastic or fiberglass container that won’t crack from the freezing and expanding water.

Cluster Potted Plants Together

Grouping your plants together is a simple way to help them survive winter temperatures. Place your potted hydrangea with other potted plants in a sheltered spot close to your house, like a covered patio or porch. Clustering the plants closely together will allow them to share heat radiating from your home and help them regulate humidity levels.

Create Shelter

To add more protection to outdoor potted hydrangeas, cover the pots with an insulating material. You can use specialized garden tarps as well as any porous fabric like cotton. Even an old bed sheet can be repurposed as a cover for hydrangeas to protect them from harsh winds and lessen the effects of rapid temperature changes.

Some gardeners also build insulating structures called silos around their potted plants. An insulating silo is great for more delicate hydrangea varieties or young, tender plants. There are many ways to build a plant silo, but one of the most popular methods is to surround the pot with chicken wire and fill the space with loose leaves or straw for insulation.

If you have the space, bringing your potted plants inside is always a great winter strategy. However, keep these tips in mind if you plan to keep your potted hydrangeas outside through the winter.