Now that we are in the heart of winter, there is not much to do in the garden, but if you want to ensure hydrangeas thrive this year, then there is one quick task to help these flowers out.
Once the frosty cold weather sets in, there is no point fertilising plants as they have gone dormant. Instead, you can mulch them, which is simply pouring organic matter over the soil.
Hydrangeas can die in winter if their roots freeze and then thaw out. Too much moisture in the soil can lead to diseases that cause the roots to rot and attract pests.
One gardener who is a hydrangea expert and founder of Hydrangea Love, has shared that mulching is “one of the best things you can do to keep your hydrangeas healthy and thriving”
She said: “In hot weather, mulch keeps the soil cooler, protecting the roots from excessive heat. In colder months, it acts as a blanket, insulating the roots from harsh winter.
Not only does mulching protect hydrangeas from the cold, but it also suppresses weeds from growing near the plant, which will stop these pesky plants from taking nutrients and water from your flowers.
It also adds essential nutrients during the winter, so hydrangeas are more likely to have bigger and healthier blooms once the warm weather arrives.
The gardener said: “Over time, organic mulches break down, improving the structure of the soil and adding essential nutrients. Hydrangeas, being somewhat picky about soil quality, benefit from this extra organic matter.”
What can you use to mulch hydrangeas?
Pine bark and needles
If you had a real Christmas tree this year, you could use the leftover pine needles and even the bark to mulch hydrangeas, as both will help make the soil more acidic.
The gardener said: “Hydrangeas prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 6.5), and pine bark or needles naturally acidify the soil over time, keeping your plants happy.”
Not only do hydrangeas love pine matter but it is popular to have in gardens due to how beautiful it looks, as it will make flowerbeds look woodsy and more natural.
Leaves in your garden
If you have to rake leaves around your garden, then make sure to save them as they are a brilliant mulch for your hydrangeas.
The gardener said: “As the leaves decompose, they add organic matter to the soil, improving soil structure and fertility.”
However, fresh leaves can mat, blocking moisture from reaching your hydrangea roots, so place them in a bag and let them compost to break them down before adding them to your flowerbed.
Wood chips
Like pine bark, wood chips make your garden look more natural but are also practical for mulching.
What is fantastic about wood chips is that they retain a lot of water, which is slowly released into the soil. Thus, hydrangeas will stay watered throughout winter without freezing or thawing.
The gardener said: “Wood chips or shavings are another great option for mulching around hydrangeas, particularly in flower beds where aesthetics matter.”
