How To Change A Hydrangea Plant’s Color
June 3, 2020
source: Explore Georgia
In my humble opinion, hydrangeas are one of the most beautiful flowers on the planet. This plant grows into large, bush-like forms that produce striking blooms of different colors. I have purple hydrangeas in my front garden, and they always bring me joy when they bloom each year. Maybe you, too, have hydrangeas in your garden, or are thinking of planting them. Well today, I’m going to share with you the steps involved in changing the color of your hydrangeas.
That’s right – you yourself can manipulate the color of a hydrangea plant! The color of a hydrangea is largely dependent on the pH level of the soil it’s grown in. So making the soil either more acidic or more neutral can turn your hydrangeas into different varieties of pink, purple, and blue.
First off, you should know that we can’t change the color of all hydrangeas, but we can with big-leaf varieties. You should also note that you won’t be able to change the color of hydrangeas with white flowers – they will simply stay white. What you can do, however, is change a hydrangea from blue to pink or vice versa.
To make a hydrangea blue, you will need to make the soil more acidic. The Old Farmer’s Almanac notes you can apply a solution of 1/4 ounce aluminum sulfate (found at most garden centers) per gallon of water three times per year. Once the plant begins growing in the spring, soak the ground with the solution and repeat twice more at three to four-week intervals.
To make a hydrangea pink, you will need to make the soil more alkaline in nature. “In the spring or fall, spread ground limestone (dolomitic lime) at a ratio of 4 pounds per 100 square feet and water it well (excessive alkalinity will cause chlorosis, or yellow leaves),” explains The Old Farmer’s Almanac. You should also note that watering any color of hydrangea with hard water can affect its color, so you’re better off watering them with rain water, if possible.
Another method to turn pink hydrangeas blue is with vinegar. This only works for pink hydrangeas. Adding acid lowers the pH and makes the soil more acidic. All you need is to add a cup of white distilled vinegar to a gallon of tap water.
Now that you know these hydrangea insider secrets, hopefully you can fill your garden with beautiful hydrangea bushes in the color of your choosing. Happy gardening, everyone!