Autumn is quickly approaching and for gardeners that means having to spend the next few months raking up leaves that keeping dropping into their garden. However, there is no need to throw them away, as autumn leaves are actually one of the best ways to keep hydrangeas safe at this time of year.
The gardening expert who runs Hydrangea Love says that fallen leaves are a cheap way to protect hydrangeas from weeds and the cold weather. She said: “If you’ve got a backyard full of trees, composted leaves can be an excellent, eco-friendly mulch option for hydrangeas.”
Mulching is the gardening practice of adding organic matter to the soil, and hydrangeas need to be mulched as their roots are shallow, which makes them more vulnerable to frost.
Hydrangea roots grow close to the soil surface, which makes it more likely for them to dry out and freeze, which can cause the plant to not grow properly or even die if there is enough damage.
Keeping hydrangeas mulched will create an insulated layer around the roots, which acts as a shield to protect them no matter the weather conditions.
Leaves in particular are a one of the best natural mulches for hydrangeas as they contain a lot of moisture, which keeps the roots properly watered as it is easy for them to dry out in autumn.
It will also add more organic matter to the ground, which helps feed the plant and also smoothers any nearby weeds to keep hydrangeas healthy as it prepares for the colder weather in winter.
How to use fallen leaves to mulch hydrangeas
The best way to use fallen leaves is to first run a lawnmower over them before you pick them up. Then, place them in a bag or compost bin for a few weeks.
Leaves make an excellent mulch, but is it very easy for them to become matted due to how much moisture they retain.
Cutting them up and composting them beforehand stops them to become a thick soggy layer on the soil as this can stop air and water getting into the soil.
After two weeks, spread the leaves around the base of a hydrangea. Keep the mulch away from the stem, as it can cause too much water to stagnate in that area, which can cause rot.
Mulching with leaves in autumn gives your hydrangea the protection it needs to rest over winter and rewards you with a stronger plant and beautiful flowers in spring.
