Regular mulching brings a number of benefits to hydrangeas. Find out here which mulch material is best suited and how to apply it correctly.
Adding a layer of mulch to the soil around hydrangeas not only suppresses weed growth. Moisture is also retained better in the soil. On top of that, mulching sustainably improves the quality of the substrate.
Why should you mulch hydrangeas?
There are a few good reasons to mulch the soil around hydrangeas:
➭ Floor protection:
Providing the soil with a mulch layer prevents soil erosion. At the same time, moisture can be retained in the soil for longer in strong sunlight. A mulch layer of five to seven centimeters is completely sufficient. If bark mulch is used, the pieces of bark should be two to four centimeters in size.
Tip:
Make sure the mulch material has a coarse grain size so that air circulation is maintained. Sufficient ventilation is important so that the mulch material can rot.
➭ Soil quality improvement:
Microorganisms break down the organic mulch material into humus. In this way, new root food is constantly provided for the hydrangeas. How quickly this happens depends on the granulation of the mulch material.
Tip:
So that the soil quality can be sustainably improved and the hydrangeas do not suffer from a nitrogen deficiency, the soil should be covered with horn meal or a similar material before mulching . This is because soil organisms consume large amounts of nitrogen during decomposition.
➭ Weed suppression:
If hydrangeas are mulched, most weeds don't stand a chance because they germinate in the light and the mulch layer suppresses the germination process. A few dark germs, on the other hand, can continue to get through the substrate. However, these can be easily removed from the loose soil.
An overview of the advantages of mulching
➭ The soil is provided with a protective layer
➭ The soil is prevented from overheating in summer
➭Roots are protected from frost damage in winter
➭ Soil is protected from drying out
➭ Moisture stays in the soil longer
➭ Less watering is required
➭ Substrate appears loose and permeable
➭ fewer weeds grow
➭ soil erosion is prevented
What mulching material can be used?
Hydrangeas need acidic soil. It is therefore important to ensure that the pH value of the soil does not change as a result of the mulch material used. In the hydrangea bed, acidic material such as pine bark has proven its worth. Pine bark also has the advantage of decomposing more slowly and consequently requiring less frequent replacement. Last but not least, the decorative coloring of pine bark is also pleasing to the eye and can visually enhance hydrangea beds.
Bark mulch is also well suited as mulch material. This is crushed tree bark. When buying, you should pay attention to a high-quality and therefore pure product. If the bark mulch is of inferior quality, chips, twigs or other plant debris may be mixed in. Of course, you can also make your own mulch.
The following materials are also suitable for mulching:
- Needle Litter
- Leaves
- Grass clippings
- shredded twigs
- wood chipper
- Mixture of compost, leaves and straw
Since many of these materials are a by-product of gardening, mulching is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective measure.
When should the soil be mulched?
Hydrangeas are shade plants. Some ball hydrangeas, such as panicle hydrangeas or the oak leaf hydrangea, on the other hand, tolerate a sunny location. A prerequisite for this is that the soil does not dry out. Hydrangeas should therefore be provided with a layer of mulch immediately after planting. Anyone who has failed to do this should apply the mulch layer in autumn at the latest so that the plants are well protected from frost.
How to Mulch Hydrangeas
Step 1:
In order to achieve an optimal result, you should not neglect the soil preparation. Before applying the mulch layer, clear the substrate of couch grass, goutweed and other weeds.
Step 2:
To ensure the hydrangea's nutrient supply, mix horn shavings under the substrate. Additional fertilization may be necessary due to nitrogen release.
Step 3:
At theDon't skimp on the mulch layer. A thick layer of mulch protects hydrangeas best. Seven centimeters is recommended, but a ten centimeter layer of mulch is even better.
When does the mulch layer have to be renewed?
Depending on the thickness of the mulch layer, the material decomposes completely within one to three years and should therefore be renewed regularly.