The hydrangea prefers acidic soil, which is why it is often recommended to regularly incorporate leaf or coniferous compost into the soil. In addition, you can mulch the soil around the hydrangea to keep the soil weed-free. In the following, we will explain what other advantages regular mulching has and why only high-quality bark mulch should be used.

Mulch keeps the soil around the roots of the hydrangea moist, keeps out weeds, and provides nutrients to the plant

What is bark mulch?

Bark mulch is crushed tree bark to which no other additives are added. However, there is no uniform legal regulation, so that bark mulch does not have to consist of 100% bark. By-products such as twigs, shavings and plant waste can be mixed in, especially with very inexpensive bark mulch. Since cadmium, among other things, is released into the ground when the material decomposes, experts now advise against using uncertified bark mulch.

Mulch in an environmentally friendly way

As an alternative, these materials are available for mulching the hydrangea:

  • Straw, leaves and compost as a mixture
  • wood chip
  • leaves
  • grass clippings
  • shredded plant material such as twigs
  • cocoa shells

Many of these products result from the care measures in your own garden and are therefore available at low cost.

How is mulching done?

The higher the layer thickness, the longer the positive properties of mulching last. A layer of five centimeters is the minimum. We recommend not skimping on the mulching material and spreading a layer about ten centimeters thick evenly around the hydrangeas.

The effect of mulching

If the layer thickness is sufficient, the soil mulch keeps the soil around the hydrangeas free of weeds. This effect is due to the substances released to the ground and the reduced air supply.

At the same time, the soil mulch offers protection against evaporation and moisture is better retained in the subsoil. The hydrangea, which is very sensitive to drought, therefore thrives particularly well. In winter, the soil mulch acts as a warm blanket and protects the hydrangea from frost.

Microorganisms and insects settle under the mulch layer and ensure a natural improvement in soil quality.

tips and tricks

Compost contains a lot of nutrients. It is therefore not suitable for mulching hydrangeas on its own. Always mix compost with other mulch materials and apply this valuable fertilizer only in small doses.

Category:

Vegetable garden