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OHC Presents:
"Garden Magic: The Hydrangea"
An article by Robert Lane
 Ever have something in your garden that you just wished you could change the color of, if for nothing else just to have something different to feast your senses on? Well, hydrangeas provide you with that opportunity, and today I’m going to tell you how!
Hydrangeas are a wonderful addition to any landscape, especially in shady or damp areas where a splash of color is often needed. What makes them special, however, is that you can dramatically change the color of their blooms with just a few simple amendments to the earth. You see, the pH level in the soil of your hydrangea has a lot to do in affecting its color, and the more you alter that, the better the results. With that being said, it’s good to note that you will achieve more success if your hydrangea is in a container because of the amount of control you will have on the soil around it, but these methods are effective as well even you have already put them in the ground.
Okay, so let’s start by eliminating any preconceived notions:
You cannot change white hydrangeas to pink or blue.
It is very difficult to alter the intensity of the color, and this is due to several different reasons, including heredity, weather conditions, and overall health of the plant. Fertilizing every now and then might improve intensity, but this is only an indication that the plant is thriving in light of its improved health.
In our hot climate here in the south, it is a rarity to see a deep red bloom. An intense or dark pink might be achieved, but this is probably the best we can hope to see because of the temperature.
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So, what do I add to the soil to change the color?
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Blue to pink:
If you want your blooms to emerge pink, you have to keep the plant from taking up aluminum, which is naturally found in good soil. Here’s what to do:
Raise the pH of the soil by adding dolomitic lime several times a year. A good level of pH to aim for is somewhere between 6.0 and 6.2. Hydrangeas take up aluminum ideally in lower pH levels, so raising it will help prevent blue blooms. Just remember that if you raise it too high, your hydrangea can be in danger of developing an iron deficiency, so you might want to invest in a pH tester, which can be found at places like Home Depot.
Use a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus. This also prevents your hydrangea from taking up aluminum.
If your growing environment naturally produces blue hydrangeas, try growing pink ones in containers. This will help eliminate a battle with mother nature, and can better ensure that you achieve the color your desire.
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Pink to blue:
If you haven’t guess it, aluminum is the key to turning pink hydrangeas blue. To rest assured that aluminum is present, add aluminum sulfate. I recommend a mixture of 1 tbsp. aluminum sulfate to one gallon of water, applied all throughout the hydrangea’s growing season. Make sure your plants are watered well before application, and then use the solution carefully as too much can burn the roots.
Now, in order for the aluminum to be made available to the plant, the soil pH should be low, somewhere around 5.2 to 5.5. The aluminum sulfate will naturally help to lower this, but if your soil still needs a little help you might consider adding coffee grounds, banana peels, pine needles, or any other organic matter.
Unlike for pink, use fertilizers that are low in phosphorus but high potassium. Also, avoid using super phosphates or bone meal.
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And, well… there you have it! It’s a little bit more complicated than, “Abracadabra!”, but you’ll still get a lot of applause from your garden audience.
Happy planting,
- Robert Lane
(Nursery Manager)
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