I have not known the Teller series to be particularly sensitive to late frosts in zones where they are fully hardy. Since these hydrangeas were developed in Switzerland, one would think they have at least similar hardiness attributes as do other macrophyllas. I think wrapping in burlap might a be a bit of overkill in zone 7. If late frosts are predicted, just draping in remay or harvest cloth for the night should be sufficient.

The gardeners who you are seeing who need to protect are mostly Zone 5s. Northerners up the coast who are in Zone 6/7 don't normally have to protect, although occassionally harsh winters might kill some buds and the display might not be as lush. No one that I know around here protects hydrangeas.

Apparently the big problem here in Zone 5 (Atlanta) isn't so much hardiness of the bush or buds in the winter. We tend to get these warm spells in the late winter early spring, where the hydrangeas wake up big time and start growing and then a late freeze kills the tender buds.

I keep hearing that the Tellers break dormancy early, so are just more prone to these late southern frosts/freezes.

It would almost be better if they stayed in bed longer.

I guess the thing to do would be like suggested though and just keep some sheets and burlap handy for use in case a frost does pop up.

We get similar warm spells up here including late frosts and even some late snow - eg., we had snow ~April 6/7 in 2003 & 2004. I think the one main difference between our areas other than the higher heat zone that you have, is that despite the warm spells, the ocean influence that inpacts us here in the coastal mid-atlantic tends to keep the average spring temps cooler over the long run and that helps to slow down budswell, even during warm spells. However I think that if you have a vigorous shrub, then even with the late frosts and freezes, that hydrangea can still get a good amount of bloom that will easily compensate for the loss of the more exposed flower buds during a frost.

I think your planting site up against the foundation will make a big difference. Good luck as those are some pretty cultivars!!

Chris, I have had Rotschwanz in the ground since June 20, 2002. It is in the midst of an outstanding display! I have never tried to protect it in any way. Its under the outer edge of a big pine facing east. I have heard the stories of these plants and their sensitivity to cold spells. I have certainly enjoyed this plant. The foliage is the best of any I grow by far. Remains dark green and blemish free the whole summer. I have also heard it can have good fall color, something I've not paid attention to in the past, need to watch this year. A surprisingly easy going plant considering what has been said about it and its siblings. Here is mine today........

Here is a link that might be useful: