Change the hue of Hydrangeas: Professional guidance for vibrant blossoms
Hydrangeas, with their vibrant blooms, are a popular choice for garden enthusiasts. But did you know that the color of hydrangea flowers depends on the chemical makeup of the soil they are planted in?
If you're looking to change the color of your hydrangea flowers, understanding the role of soil pH is crucial. Heather Rhoades, founder of a popular gardening platform and a recipient of the Master Gardeners of Ohio Lifetime Achievement Award, emphasizes this point.
Before starting any treatment, it's recommended to have your soil around the hydrangea tested. The results of this test will determine what your next steps will be.
If the pH of the soil is above 6.0, it's too high and needs to be lowered. This can be done by spraying the ground with a weak vinegar solution or using a high acid fertilizer, such as those made for azaleas and rhododendron. It may need to be repeated to get the hydrangea flowers to turn pink.
On the other hand, if you're aiming for blue hydrangea flowers, you'll need to raise the pH of the soil. This can be achieved by adding lime or a high phosphorus fertilizer to the soil over the area where the hydrangea plant's roots are.
Aluminum sulfate is another substance that can be used to change the color of hydrangea flowers. To change a hydrangea from pink to blue, aluminum sulfate can be added to the soil. However, it should be done in small amounts throughout the season to prevent root burn. Conversely, to change from blue to pink, adding lime (such as garden lime or dolomitic lime) to raise soil pH is necessary.
It's important to note that adjusting the soil where all the roots are is necessary, which is about 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm.) beyond the edge of the plant all the way into the base.
If a soil test shows that there is not enough aluminum, a hydrangea color soil treatment consists of adding aluminum to the soil. If the soil has a high pH or is low on aluminum, the hydrangea flower color will be pink. If the soil is high in aluminum and has a low pH, the hydrangea flower will be blue.
Remember, more often than not, people are looking for information on how to change the color of hydrangea flowers from pink to blue. But understanding the process can help you achieve the desired color for your hydrangeas.
Happy gardening!
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