{"id":4890,"date":"2024-02-24T03:35:32","date_gmt":"2024-02-24T03:35:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.urbangardengal.com\/?p=4890"},"modified":"2024-02-25T00:07:13","modified_gmt":"2024-02-25T00:07:13","slug":"change-hydrangea-flower-color","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.urbangardengal.com\/change-hydrangea-flower-color\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Change Hydrangea Flower Colors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I’ve always loved the vibrant colors of hydrangea flowers and when I learnt that the flower colors can be adjusted by manipulating the soil conditions, I was keen to try it myself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The transformation of hydrangea flowers from pink to blue, or vice versa, is not an instant process, but with a little patience, it’s possible to alter their colors over time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article I\u2019ll share my tips for changing the colors of your hydrangea flowers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This post contains affiliate links. Please read the <\/em>disclosure<\/em><\/a> for more info.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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Soil pH and Flower Color<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Adjusting the pH of the soil affects the availability of aluminum ions, which in turn influences the color of hydrangea flowers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To encourage blue colored hydrangea flowers, the soil must be acidic, while a more alkaline environment encourages pink blooms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adding certain substances to the soil can gradually shift its pH in the desired direction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I find it rewarding to tweak the soil composition, watch the gradual change of the flower colors, and know that I’ve had a direct hand in their transformation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While some people might prefer to let nature take its course, for me, experimenting with the color of hydrangea flowers is a nice way to engage with my garden and create a personalized landscape.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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Understanding Hydrangea Colors<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Science Behind Color Changes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The color variation occurs due to the presence of aluminum ions in the soil, which hydrangeas can only absorb in acidic conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If they’re accessible, these ions bond with pigment molecules in the sepals<\/strong>, which are often mistaken for petals, and result in the blue coloration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lime can be added to increase pH and encourage pink blooms, while applying garden sulfur lowers the pH to favor blue flowers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s important to adjust the pH gradually and test the soil periodically, as drastic changes can harm the plant.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Hydrangea Species and Their Colors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The most well-known hydrangea species for color variation is H. macrophylla<\/strong>, commonly called bigleaf hydrangea<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This species includes the mophead<\/strong> variety, with large, round flower heads, and the lacecap<\/strong> variety, featuring flat flower heads with a center core of subdued, fertile flowers surrounded by outer rings of showy flowers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

H. serrata<\/strong>, or mountain hydrangeas<\/strong>, are similar to bigleaf but are typically smaller and have more delicate flowers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s interesting to note that not all hydrangea species change color. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, white hydrangeas<\/strong> don\u2019t change color with soil pH and are typically grown for their pristine, white blooms.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Modifying Soil to Change Hydrangea Color<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Altering pH for Blue and Pink Blooms<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To achieve blue hydrangea blooms<\/strong>, I make the soil more acidic by lowering its pH. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For blue flowers, a pH of about 5.2 to 5.5 is ideal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To acidify my garden soil, I incorporate garden sulfur or peat moss, which can lower pH over time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a quicker change, you can use aluminum sulfate<\/strong>, which supplies aluminum \u2013 necessary for blue coloration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Creating pink hydrangea blooms<\/strong> requires a higher pH. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can apply ground lime to increase alkalinity, aiming for a pH around 6.5 to 6.8.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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Use a soil test kit<\/a> to help you monitor the pH level of your soil and make necessary adjustments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n