While gravel beds were considered modern for a long time and are still partly so today, they are now heavily criticized because they do not offer any shelter for insects. The stone beds do not provide an ideal environment for hydrangeas either. You can find out in this article which exceptions you can still plant hydrangeas in a gravel bed.
Can hydrangeas be planted in gravel beds?
Hydrangeas are more suitable for gravel bedsunsuitableThey are too hot and too dry. When planting, you should choose drought-loving plants such as ornamental shrubs. If the gravel bed is in the shade, hydrangeas can be planted in it under certain circumstances.
Can hydrangeas be planted in gravel beds?
Gravel beds arenot suitable for hydrangeas, as they require a lot of water and cannot cope with drought. On the other hand, sun-loving plants that require little water feel comfortable in gravel beds. Dark gravel in particular heats up very strongly when exposed to sunlight, which means that the plants in the gravel bed are exposed to particularly strong heat. Hydrangeas do not tolerate heat and should definitely be protected from it. In addition, gravel beds are usually created on clay-rich soil, as the water can be transported away quickly. Clay soil has a high pH, but hydrangeas prefer acidic soil. This also makes them not ideal for ornamental shrubs.
How harmonious do hydrangeas look in a gravel bed?
Not only do gravel beds and hydrangeas not fit together in terms of location, but also visually it's abreak in style that doesn't really fit together in most cases. While a gravel garden is associated with modern garden design, which looks particularly good in front of new buildings, hydrangeas are more wildly romantic and a little old-fashioned. They require a wild garden and other natural elements to be effective.
Can gravel beds be made hydrangea-friendly?
Planting hydrangeas in gravel beds is not impossible if a few aspects are taken into account:
- Above all, the gravel bed should be inshade and not exposed to direct sun in summer.
- In addition, it should be filled with substrate that can storemoisture well and for a long time. Waterlogging must still be avoided, for example by adding a drainage layer at the bottom of the bed.
- Pay attention to thepH value of the underlying substrate. Hydrangeas require acidic soil to thrive.
This gives the gravel layer a mulch-like effect; it stores moisture in the soil.
Tip
It is better to use gravel for other purposes for hydrangeas
Hydrangeas in gravel beds are not recommended. However, gravel is very suitable for drainage in the bucket to avoid waterlogging.
