Mulch - Ask Extension
When should I spread mulch around my hydrangeas?
Knowledgebase
Mulch #851338
Asked September 26, 2023, 5:56 PM EDT
When should I spread mulch around my hydrangeas?
Macomb County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Bonnie,
You don't mention the type of hydrangeas you have or if they are in full sun or partial shade.
Most hydrangeas benefit from 2-3 inches of shredded pine bark in the spring and throughout the summer if the plant is in full sun for much of the day. You can also put down mulch now for the winter months. Make sure not to pile the mulch on top of the plant, but spread it out evenly around the root zone. The purpose of mulch is to protect the roots from heaving during the 'freezing and thawing' that occurs in the winter and early spring.
The following is an article from the University of Maryland Extension that gives some good information about the various species of hydrangea.
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/hydrangea-identify-and-manage-problems
If you need further information or have other questions, please don't hesitate to contact us again.
Have a great fall!
You don't mention the type of hydrangeas you have or if they are in full sun or partial shade.
Most hydrangeas benefit from 2-3 inches of shredded pine bark in the spring and throughout the summer if the plant is in full sun for much of the day. You can also put down mulch now for the winter months. Make sure not to pile the mulch on top of the plant, but spread it out evenly around the root zone. The purpose of mulch is to protect the roots from heaving during the 'freezing and thawing' that occurs in the winter and early spring.
The following is an article from the University of Maryland Extension that gives some good information about the various species of hydrangea.
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/hydrangea-identify-and-manage-problems
If you need further information or have other questions, please don't hesitate to contact us again.
Have a great fall!
Sorry, I forgot to reply to the 1st part of your question- limelight prime hydrangeas & full sun the beginning of the day
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Sent from my iPad
On Sep 30, 2023, at 4:23 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Thank-you for the response ! One more question do I need to fertilize before I put down the mulch. Someone told me I should put down organic Holly-tone by Espoma & then someone said I don’t need to fertilize before winter
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On Sep 30, 2023, at 4:23 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Hi Bonnie,
Continue to follow the mulching requirements for your hydrangeas. These are panicle hydrangeas, which are the most sun tolerant, but keep mulch like shredded pine bark around the root zone throughout the summer and fall.
Holly Tone is a slow-release, organic fertilizer that breaks down slowly in the soil. I believe that the recommendations from Espoma is to fertilize twice a year, in the early spring and the late fall. The company suggests using 1/2 strength in the fall, and you should pull back all mulch before appying the fertilizer. You can replace the mulch after the application. I'm pretty sure these are the recommendation but alway read and follow the label instructions. We like to say "The label is the law!"
One final thought about Panicle: the best time to prune these hydrangeas is in late winter or early spring. The flowers bloom on new wood.
I hope this information is helpful, but always feel free to contact us again with any questions or concerns you may have.
Enjoy November!
Continue to follow the mulching requirements for your hydrangeas. These are panicle hydrangeas, which are the most sun tolerant, but keep mulch like shredded pine bark around the root zone throughout the summer and fall.
Holly Tone is a slow-release, organic fertilizer that breaks down slowly in the soil. I believe that the recommendations from Espoma is to fertilize twice a year, in the early spring and the late fall. The company suggests using 1/2 strength in the fall, and you should pull back all mulch before appying the fertilizer. You can replace the mulch after the application. I'm pretty sure these are the recommendation but alway read and follow the label instructions. We like to say "The label is the law!"
One final thought about Panicle: the best time to prune these hydrangeas is in late winter or early spring. The flowers bloom on new wood.
I hope this information is helpful, but always feel free to contact us again with any questions or concerns you may have.
Enjoy November!
