Changing hydrangeas color?

Question

I've heard you can change the colors of the flowers on a hydrangea plant but I'm not sure how to do it. I wanted to change it from blue to more of a purple color. Anyone how or where I can find out how?

Answer 1

Hydrangeas are fascinating in that, unlike most other plants, the color of their flowers can change dramatically.

It would be nice if one could change the color of hydrangeas as easily as it changes in this little picture. But it is NOT easy. The people who have the most controll over the color of their hydrangeas are those who grow them in containers. It is much easier to control or alter the pH of the soil in a container than it is in the ground.

On the other hand, hydrangeas often change color on their own when they are planted or transplanted. They are adjusting to the new environment. It is not unusual to see several different colors on one shrub the next year after planting.

It is much easier to change a hydrangea from pink to blue than it is from blue to pink. Changing a hydrangea from pink to blue entails adding aluminum to the soil. Changing from blue to pink means subtracting aluminum from the soil or taking it out of reach of the hydrangea.

That said, I'll give the best information that I have on this subject and let you take it from there.

Answer 2

Blue Hydrangeas require acid soil. Aluminum is a component of all soils, but its availability to plants depends on the acidity of the soil. In acid soils, the roots can readily absorb aluminum.

In your case ... if you have Blue flowers you "may" be able to change them by making your soil less acidic or "sweet". Add lime or ph+

Answer 3

Throw some old rusty nails into the ground by the base of the plant, I believe this iron will turn the flowers blue. If you want quicker action try some chelated iron.. If all else fails call the local garden supply yard.

Answer 4

Add lime to the soil in small doses when you water the plant. Continue adding lime during its dormant season. The flowers will not change until the next season.

Answer 5

Yes with some lime around your hydrangea you will get it to bloom pink next year. But you have to be after it. sour soil makes them blue,sweet soil makes them pink ,don't forget lots of water.Epsom salt will do the trick too

Answer 6

take a lb. of old nails in a bucket full of water until they rust, use this to water your plant and replace the amount of water you use every time, this will darken the blue toward purple and the white ones to red, my mother was doing this 40 years ago. it works. if you want organic acid use pine needles if you can get them.

Answer 7

Go to your local Nursery, & tell the head guy there- WHAT you want to do. Odds are, he'll give you something to acidify the soil so that it will give you the hydrangaer color you want.

Answer 8

oldfart and ddmdsdaddy are completely right - use nails - it's cheap and easy!!!