Complement Your Red Brick House With Black Mulch Landscaping

A red brick house is a classic and timeless architectural style that exudes charm warmth and character. However, finding the right landscaping to complement the rich red brick exterior can be tricky. You want something that will enhance the curb appeal of your home without clashing with the bold brickwork. One elegant yet understated solution is to use black mulch in the garden beds surrounding your home.

Why Black Mulch Works Well With Red Brick Houses

Black mulch has a sleek, sophisticated look that pairs beautifully with the traditional red brick façade. Here are some of the specific reasons black mulch is an ideal choice:

• Color contrast – The deep black color of the mulch creates a striking contrast against the vivid red brick, making both elements stand out. This contrast adds visual interest.

• Uniformity – Unlike bark mulches which have varied textures and wood chips which come in different shades, black mulch has a uniform jet black color and fine texture. This monochromatic look results in a clean, cohesive aesthetic.

• Definition – Black mulch helps define and outline the landscape beds, providing structure and emphasizing the shapes and contours of the garden.

• Focal point – With a bold red brick house, you want the architecture to be the focus Black mulch frames the home without competing for attention.

• Versatility – Black goes with everything! It coordinates with any plant colors and hardscape materials. You can’t go wrong with basic black.

• Sophistication – The color black evokes class and luxury. Combined with traditional architecture, black mulch exudes elegance and timeless style.

So if you want a landscape mulch that complements your home’s existing red brick exterior choose black for a polished, sophisticated look.

Types of Black Mulch for Red Brick Houses

If you’ve decided to adorn your red brick house with deep, dark mulch there are a few options to consider:

Rubber Mulch

Made from recycled rubber tires, this mulch has an extremely dark black color that will pop against red brick. Rubber mulch is also useful for play areas since it cushions falls. The downside is that it can be more expensive than other mulches. Frequent replenishment is needed as the color fades over time.

Dyed Mulch

Natural mulches like pine bark are dyed to achieve a black color. They come in black, deep black, or jet black shades. The color will gradually fade over the course of a year. Reapply the dye yearly by mixing in a new layer or remove and replace the mulch.

Colored Wood Mulch

Specially processed hardwood is used to create rich black colored wood mulch. It retains its deep black tone for 1-2 years without fading. Eco-friendly biodegradable dyes are used to color the mulch during processing.

Cypress Mulch

Cypress trees native to wetland swamps produce a wood that naturally turns a very dark gray-black when aged. Shredded cypress mulch has an extremely dark charcoal hue. No dyes are used in its production.

Black Lava Rock

For a more contemporary, minimalist look use black lava rock. The petite pebble size and irregular shapes provide texture. It won’t fade, requiring less maintenance. Lava rock retains and radiates heat so isn’t suitable for all climates.

Black Gravel

Gravel offers a crisper contrast against the organic texture of brick and is ideal for xeriscaping. Use pea gravel or crushed granite in black for modern appeal. The inky color is achieved using mined dark stone, not a dye.

Design Tips for Incorporating Black Mulch

When integrating black mulch into your red brick house landscape, follow these design tips:

• Use black mulch in all visible areas near the home. Consistent use of black mulch will unify the look.

• Outline garden beds and tree rings with wide 2-4 inch deep bands of mulch. Crisp edges make the deep color pop.

• If plantings are sparse, widen mulch beds to emphasize the color, avoiding large expanses of bare soil.

• Incorporate contrasting bright garden features like trellises, furnishings, andcontainers. This prevents the landscape from feeling too dark.

• Include light colored plants and flowers to provide balance with the darkness of the mulch.

• Use mulch to define the entry path to the front door and continue it alongside the home.

• Apply black gravel mulch to the driveway and walkways to extend the theme into hardscapes.

• Accent the front entry area with container gardens rimmed with black mulch.

With the right details, black mulch can feel softly elegant rather than gloomy and stark. The key is balancing the deep color with other lighter elements and elevating the overall design.

Plant Selection for Black Mulch and Red Brick

Choosing the right plants is crucial for making a black mulch and red brick color scheme work seamlessly. Include a mix of foliage colors and textures to create depth and contrast. Here are some ideal plant options:

Flowers: Impatiens, petunias, salvias, marigolds, zinnias, cosmos, geraniums, pansies, daisies

Shrubs: Abelia, spirea, hydrangea, lilac, butterfly bush, azalea, viburnum

Ornamental grasses: Pennisetum, carex, miscanthus

Groundcovers: Lamium, ivy, liriope, creeping Jenny, vinca

Ferns: Autumn fern, tassel fern, Japanese painted fern

Foliage plants: Caladium, coleus, coral bells, hosta, artemisia, heuchera

Avoid pale pastels and all-white color schemes. Instead opt for bright, saturated hues like crimson, magenta, violet, and citrus yellows. Foliage in shades of purple, burgundy and forest green also look stunning against black.

Maintaining Black Mulch Around a Red Brick House

To keep black mulch looking fresh, follow these maintenance practices:

• Inspect mulch beds monthly and rake back into place if displaced.

• Replenish mulch annually in the spring, typically 1-2 inches of new mulch.

• Monitor faded black mulches and re-dye or replace them when color loss is excessive.

• Use edging between mulch beds and lawns to prevent grass and weeds from invading.

• Weed regularly to prevent unwanted plants from sprouting in the mulch.

• During dry periods, water plant beds to keep mulch slightly moist and prevent it from floating.

• Test pH yearly as acidic mulch may lower the soil pH over time.

• Thoroughly clean up spilled mulch on hardscapes to avoid staining.

With periodic care, black mulch can retain its dramatic deep color and keep your red brick house looking its best for many years to come. The striking contrast and unified look is well worth the minor upkeep required. For an instant curb appeal boost, go for classic red brick paired with chic black mulch.