Question about overwintering in pots

11 years ago

For those of you who have overwintered your hydrangeas in pots, I have a question:

I have 4 white out F&E's that I had in pots last Summer, and overwintered in my garage. I brought them back out and they are blooming like crazy. They are getting a bit big though..... How do I know when they have outgrown their container? I have them in a large 12 inch pots. White out is supposed to get 2 ft. x 2ft. Do you think I can keep them in this size indefinitely? (I'd like to!) If so, how many years can I go with the same soil? This will be their second season, so I am thinking I should add completely new soil..... But should I do this before I put them away for the winter, or when I take them out next Spring? Also, when is the best time to prune them down to control their size---they are the re-blooming type. Thanks so much!

Joanne

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Comments (3)

luis_pr
11 years ago
That potting size is quite small, I am afraid. Glyn Church in her book Hydrangeas recommends a starting pot size of 20 inches across. If you notice that the roots are circling or growing out thru the bottom holes, it is time to go on size bigger and add new soil.
Carrie B
11 years ago
I overwinter hydrangeas in large pots on the sidewalk in front of my house. The first, big one immediately below will need to be divided or planted in the ground in a year or so, when it outgrows the pot. The small hydrangea in the bottom photo probably has a good three or four years before it outgrows its container.
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morz8 - Washington Coast
11 years ago
Joanne, the recommendation from Dan Hinkley for those growing in coldest climates is use a 15-25 gal pot with a bark-based soilless medium, move into unheated garage only during the coldest weeks. Replace the growing medium every three years.