Posted on October 7th, 2008 by admin

Which mulch should be used for a flower garden?

Category: Garden & Landscape, Tags: , , , , ,

flower gardens
HC Investigator asked:


I am so confused. I would like to know which type of mulch to buy for my flower garden? I have used what is in my yard to the best of my ability but will need something more. Cypress, Pine, Red Bark…Nuggets? What is best? I have never had to buy it before where I used to live. I am in NW AR if that helps also. Thank you for any advice.
Thank you everyone for your help, I appreciate it and it looks like I’m leaning towards to the shredded cypress unless more suggestions change my mind. And actually I’m in beautiful Arkansas but Arizona is quite lovely as well.

7 Responses to “Which mulch should be used for a flower garden?”

J. P. on October 10th, 2008 5:43 pm:

I used to work with a mulch manufacturing company and would suggest that you buy Cypress mulch if you can find it. Don’t be fooled by the labels, as some companies “mix” or blend other types of wood into what they are calling “Cypress”. 100% Cypress deters most insects away and keeps good moisture levels in the ground where as pine bark tends to attract spiders, ants etc. As for color, that would be a preference as some manufacturers color mulch Black, Red, Brown etc.

Jazzmine D on October 11th, 2008 6:00 pm:

well telling us here you live helps A LOT!! you should Cypress.red bark and pine are for bush gardens and cactus gardens.

Tattoomom on October 12th, 2008 2:27 am:

I prefer red bark. It has more weigh and won’t blow away when it gets windy, Plus when it’s wet, its a different color. Cypress is good too and has a delightful smell. I just prefer the red bark. Fl weather, ya know!

Good luck!

Lily on October 13th, 2008 12:59 am:

I always prefer to use a mulch that both looks attractive and will eventually break down and add compost material to the soil, and/or can be dug into the soil for aeration. Any mulch that is shredded (as opposed to nuggets or large pieces) will look better and will eventually break down, creating better aeration in the soil. Large nuggets have a tendency to weather poorly, after which they are no longer attactive and add nothing to the soil.

There are lots of different shredded barks and woods — choose one that looks good (usually the darker colors). Spread it at least 2 inches thick. Don’t use landscape fabric, as it won’t allow you to dig in the mulch if your soil becomes hardened because of too high a clay content.

If you don’t care about the appearance, you can also use grass clippings. I use grass clippings to keep down the weeds in our back alley, and it works like a charm!

v on October 13th, 2008 1:47 am:

J.P is on the money. Cypress is one of the BEST and if you were concerned about it “floating ” away they have made a more dense Cypress mulch..Eucalyptus is even more bug resistant but its also extra on the wallet. They last about the same and they both look great around any plants!! Pine Bark is the worst!!!

Mr. PotatoHead on October 15th, 2008 9:20 pm:

I use Cypress mulch. It works for me.

Venice Girl on October 15th, 2008 11:41 pm:

Really, any kind type of wood is fine, but the more important thing is the form of the mulch. Chunks/nuggets, I don’t find do any good. They take far longer to break down, don’t hold water and float away more easily. I much prefer a shredded mulch. It stays where it’s put, breaks down faster and keeps more water in. I’m in California where they have something called Gorilla Hair which is shredded redwood and it’s the greatest thing there is. But, whether it’s redwood,cypress, cedar or whatever, shredded is the only way to go. And put it on thick. At least two inches.