How to Mulch Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas charm many gardeners with their large, bouquet-like flower clusters, which sometimes grow to 10 inches wide in species such as bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla). Ample soil moisture is required for hydrangeas to bloom and most gardeners must mulch beneath the shrubs to maintain an adequate level of soil moisture during the warm summer months. Fortunately, mulching hydrangeas is a very straightforward process and must only be done once a year, but it is always best to use acidic mulching material since hydrangeas grow best in soil with a low pH.

Pine straw or oak leaf mulch
Rake
Garden hose with adjustable nozzle

Instructions

- 1
  Mulch hydrangea shrubs immediately upon planting. Spread a 4-inch-thick layer of pine straw or oak leaf mulch beneath the shrub. Avoid using wood chip mulch beneath hydrangeas since it inhibits the absorption of water into the soil, which will harm the shrub in the long-run.
- 2
  Make the mulch layer beneath the shrub the same radius as the widest branches. Even out the surface using a garden rake. Leave a 2-inch gap between the mulch and the trunk of the hydrangea to allow for a slight amount of evaporation.
- 3
  Spray water onto the mulch layer using a garden hose with an adjustable nozzle set to shower or soak. Water for approximately 10 minutes to settle the mulch and thoroughly saturate the soil beneath.
- 4
  Scrape away the mulch from beneath hydrangea shrubs each spring in early to mid-April. Gather up and discard the old mulch into a compost or green waste bin. Do not reuse it as mulch since it might harbor harmful fungi or pathogens.
- 5
  Let the roots of the hydrangea "breath" for five to seven days before spreading a fresh, 4-inch-thick layer of pine straw or oak leaf mulch beneath it.

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