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I'm not a big fan of rock mulch, other than in an occasional rock garden - hydrangeas aren't rock garden plants. ... Without the organic matter there is no environment that would attract living organisms needed in the soil to benefit the soil structure and add the nutrients needed naturally for plants to thrive.

Flowers don't thrive in beds mulched with rocks, but sturdy, drought-tolerant plants like succulents do well. Rock beds are naturally warmer than beds of mulch, so plants there need to be able to take the heat.Jun 28, 2018

Rocks are great at suffocating weeds and show a better success rate at weed-prevention than mulch. Stone cover is perfect for low-water gardens and landscapes. However, stones aren't the perfect solution for gardens that may get a lot of sun because they can hold more heat than mulch.Apr 5, 2019

• A raised bed is excellent for tall flowers being used as a privacy screen or to block unwanted views. The height of the raised bed boosts the flowers an additional 12 to 24 inches or however high the bed is.

Opt to use stones to create a complementary border around your flower bed to amplify the aesthetic of your garden by mixing depths and textures. Flower beds with rocks or stones also help keep maintenance low, as you won’t need to worry about overgrown grass invading your flowers.

For miniature hostas, adding fine gravel or pea gravel to the soil will ensure good drainage and will firm the soil so your little hostas do not heave in the winter. You can add gravel to your soil for any sized hosta as a vole deterrent. Hosta roots do not grow deep in the soil, usually only about 4-‐8 inches deep.

Azaleas, hollies, yews, mahonia, gardenia, loropetalum and boxwood shrubs will look good planted in front of hydrangeas. Azaleas blossoms will provide early color. You can select your favorite blossom color since the azalea blooms will have faded before your hydrangea is flowering.Aug 5, 2021

Most hydrangeas will thrive in fertile, well-draining soils that receive plenty of moisture. Add compost to enrich poor soil. Generally, hydrangeas prefer partial sun. Ideally, they will be given full sun in the morning, with some afternoon shade to protect from the hot midday sun.

In comparison to mulch, stone is very low maintenance and will almost never require replacement. Due to its longevity, stone is also more cost effective. Stone is also great for dryer climates since it's inflammable and it keeps weeds away longer.