When to wrap shrubs for winter protection - Ask Extension
I plan to wrap my Pieris and Hydrangea to protect the buds and have flowers next year. When should I do that? I plan to use burlap and pack with leav...
Knowledgebase
When to wrap shrubs for winter protection #291033
Asked November 20, 2015, 8:53 AM EST
I plan to wrap my Pieris and Hydrangea to protect the buds and have flowers next year. When should I do that? I plan to use burlap and pack with leaves though I am concerned that if it rains the leaves will retain too much moisture and cause rotting. Do I need to wait until it is colder? Could I wrap now before it gets below 30 and add leaves later, after threat of rain passes?
Cook County Illinois
Expert Response
Hello,
Here are instructions on how to wrap your shrubs for winter protection:
For best results, encircle the shrub with a wire cage. Cover them completely to the ground. The ground helps maintain a warmer temperature within the covering.
Next, carefully wrap the stems using burlap and/or fill the cage with a lightweight mulch (pine straw, hay, straw, deciduous leaves).
Leave this protection in place until Spring, after the risk of frost has passed. Be careful when you remove the wrap and cage so that you don't damage any buds along the stems.
Also, considering that we have already had frost, you should wrap as soon as possible.
Good Luck
