Heavy clay soil is actually an exclusion criterion for planting hydrangeas. After simple improvement measures, the dream of a summer floral fairytale is within reach. Here you can find out what to do so that you can plant hydrangeas in clay soil.
How can hydrangeas be successfully planted in clay soil?
Hydrangeas can be planted in clay soil if it is improved first. By incorporating acidic leaf compost, quartz sand and, if necessary, ericaceous soil, breathability and nutrient content in clay soil can be optimized and the pH value can be adjusted.
Can I plant hydrangeas in clay soil?
Clay soil has negative and positive effects on the growth of hydrangeas. On the one hand, the oxygen supply to the roots is restricted and there is a risk of wet feet due to waterlogging. On the other hand, clay-based garden soil remainsmoist and nutrient-rich for longer, which is beneficial for flower-rich hydrangea growth. It's good to know that you can eliminate the negative side effects of clay soil with simple measures. Following the improvement, you can plant hydrangeas in clay soil with a clear conscience. Read how to do this in the following sections.
How does clay soil become hydrangeas compatible?
For optimal growth, hydrangeas need a loose, humus-rich, moist and nutrient-rich soil with an acidicpH value of 4.0 to 5.5 In heavier, compacted locations in a partially shaded location Clay soil primarily lacks permeability for a consistent oxygen supply. How to make clay soil compatible with hydrangeas:
1. In partial shade, dig the soil to the depth of a spade and sift.
2. Work in 3-5 liters of acidic leaf compost (not conventional compost) per square meter.
3. Spread fine-grained quartz sand 2-5 cm high and rake in.
4. Measure the pH value with a test strip (€2.00 on Amazon).5. If the pH value is greater than 5, add 5 additional leaf compost or ericaceous soil to the clay soil.
How do I properly plant hydrangeas in clay soil?
Improving clay soil is the prologue. For the skillful planting of hydrangeas, important criteria must be taken into account, such as planting time, planting depth and planting technique. How to plant hydrangeas correctly:
- Best planting time is in April/May.
- Place the root ball in rainwater until no more air bubbles appear.
- Dig a planting pit with twice the diameter of the root ball.
- A layer of sand on the bottom of the pit prevents waterlogging.
- For the ideal planting depth, the root disk is flush with the garden soil.
- Pressing the soil, thorough watering and mulching round off the perfect planting technique.
Tip
Beautiful hydrangea alternatives for clay soil
Planting flowering bushes that are compatible with clay soil eliminates the need for laborious improvement work. A we alth of beautiful hydrangea alternatives are available to choose from: loquat 'Red Robin' (Photinia fraseri), dog rose (Rosa canina), viburnum 'Roseum' (Viburnum opulus) and the wonderful weigela 'Bristol Ruby' (Weigelia). The Mahonia (Mahonia aquifolium) develops a remarkable play of colors in clay soil all year round with yellow flower spikes, blue-frosted fruits and evergreen leaves.
