Frost Damaged Hydrangeas: How to Identify, Prevent, and Treat

Understanding the Impact of Frost on Hydrangeas

If you're a gardener or someone who loves flowers, then you know how beautiful hydrangeas can be. These flowering shrubs are known for their large, colorful blooms that add a pop of color to any garden. However, hydrangeas are also vulnerable to frost damage, which can affect both the appearance and health of the plant.

Frost damage occurs when plants are exposed to freezing temperatures. For hydrangeas, this can result in damage to the buds, stems, and leaves. In some cases, the entire plant may die if the damage is severe enough.

In this blog post, we'll discuss how to identify, prevent, and treat frost-damaged hydrangeas. We'll cover everything from identifying the signs of damage to providing tips for protecting your plants from future frost events.

Section 1: Identifying Frost Damage on Hydrangeas

Before you can treating your frost-damaged hydrangeas, you need to know what to look for. Here are some signs of frost damage to watch out for:

Discolored Leaves

One of the most common signs of frost damage on hydrangeas is discoloration of the leaves. If your plant has been exposed to freezing temperatures, you might notice that the leaves turn brown or black. This is because the freezing temperatures cause the water inside the cells of the leaves to freeze, which damages the cell walls and causes them to rupture.

Wilting or Drooping

Frost damage can also cause your hydrangea plant to wilt or droop. This is because the freezing temperatures can damage the stems of the plant, which makes it difficult for them to transport water and nutrients to the leaves.

Bud Damage

If your hydrangea hasn't bloomed yet, you might notice that the buds are damaged or shriveled up. This is because the buds are extremely sensitive to freezing temperatures and can be damaged even if the rest of the plant appears unharmed.

Section 2: Preventing Frost Damage on Hydrangeas

Preventing frost damage is always better than treating it after the fact. Here are some steps you can take to protect your hydrangeas from frost damage:

Cover Your Plants

One of the easiest ways to prevent frost damage is to cover your plants with a blanket or tarp when frost is predicted. This will help to trap the heat generated by the soil and prevent freezing temperatures from reaching the plant.

Mulch Your Beds

Another way to protect your hydrangeas from frost damage is to mulch the soil around the plant. This will help to insulate the roots and keep them warm, which can help to protect the plant from freezing temperatures.

Water Your Plants

Believe it or not, watering your plants before a frost event can actually help to protect them from damage. This is because water releases heat as it freezes, which can help to keep the temperature around the plant above freezing.

Section 3: Treating Frost-Damaged Hydrangeas

If your hydrangeas have already been damaged by frost, don't worry! There are still things you can do to help them recover. Here are some tips for treating frost-damaged hydrangeas:

Prune Damaged Branches

If your hydrangea has damaged branches or stems, you should prune them back to healthy tissue. This will help to prevent the damage from spreading and allow the plant to focus its energy on healing the healthy tissue.

Remove Damaged Leaves

You should also remove any leaves that have been damaged by frost. This will help to improve the appearance of the plant and prevent the damage from spreading to other parts of the plant.

Apply Fertilizer

Frost-damaged hydrangeas can benefit from a boost of fertilizer to help stimulate new growth. Make sure to use a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus, as this nutrient is essential for promoting root growth and flower development.

Section 4: Common Questions About Frost-Damaged Hydrangeas

Here are five common questions people have about frost-damaged hydrangeas and their answers:

1. How do I know if my hydrangea has been damaged by frost?

Look for signs like brown or black leaves, wilting or drooping, or shriveled buds.

2. Can frost damage kill my hydrangea?

In severe cases, frost damage can kill a hydrangea. However, most plants will recover with proper care.

3. How can I protect my hydrangea from frost damage?

Covering the plant, mulching the soil, and watering it before a frost event can all help to prevent frost damage.

4. Should I fertilize my frost-damaged hydrangea?

Yes, fertilizing your hydrangea can help to stimulate new growth and improve its overall health.

5. Can I still expect my hydrangea to bloom after it has been damaged by frost?

It depends on the severity of the damage. In most cases, the plant will still bloom, but the blooms may be smaller or fewer in number.



Frost damage can be a real problem for hydrangeas, but with the right care and attention, your plants can recover and thrive. Remember to look for signs of damage, take steps to prevent future damage, and treat any existing damage using the tips we've provided. With a little bit of work, you can enjoy beautiful, healthy hydrangeas all season long!