Especially often you can observe the phenomenon of color change and fading of the color in blue hydrangeas. But even a pink or white flowering hydrangea can change color or fade. We explain to you which maintenance measures you can use to prevent this.
The nutrients in the soil determine the color of the hydrangea
Typical color changes
A change in flower color is not sudden. Two-tone flowers often appear first, which can look very attractive. So it can happen that:
- A pink hydrangea will turn creamy white or greenish pink.
- A blue hydrangea pink blooms.
- A white hydrangea is sprouting green flowers.
The soil conditions determine the flower color
Plant the hydrangea in regular garden soil with a pH of around 6 and most varieties will bloom pink. Only in very acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 can the hydrangeas absorb enough aluminum from the soil to change the flower color to blue. On the other hand, if the hydrangea thrives in a rather alkaline substrate with a pH value of more than 6.5, the flowers will turn a strong pink or even red.
If the background changes, the original color of the flowers often fades before a new color can be seen.
Prevent fading
In order for the hydrangea to bloom in the desired color, attention should be paid to the correct pH value of the soil when planting. You can measure this value yourself with test strips from gardening stores and prepare the substrate accordingly.
Acidifying the soil - blue hydrangeas
If you plant a blue hydrangea and the substrate has a pH higher than 5.5, you should enrich the soil with a larger amount of compost or rhododendron soil. The soil is also naturally acidified by spreading bark mulch.
You can also try watering the hydrangea with vinegar water before applying blue fertilizer containing aluminum. Add enough vinegar to the irrigation water until the desired pH value is reached.
Shift soil value to alkaline - red and pink hydrangeas
If the soil is too acidic and you want bright pink or red flowers, the soil needs to have a pH above 6.5. You can achieve this by regularly liming the soil.
tips and tricks
Just before they fade, the flowers naturally fade and radiate a uniquely morbid charm. If the hydrangea blossoms that follow are brightly colored, you do not need to take any action.