Changing the Color of Hydrangeas

Unlike most other blooming plants, the color of some hydrangea
blossoms can be controlled or changed. This is accomplished by
regulating the acidity of the soil.

However, not all hydrangea varieties can change color. Those that
are naturally white will remain white no matter what the soil type
they are grown in. Most hydrangea blooms tend to subtly change
color as they mature, but only those that are naturally pink or blue
can be made to completely change color.

If your hydrangea has blue blooms, amending the soil to make it
more alkaline will change the blooms to pink. Likewise, a pink
hydrangea's blooms will become blue by increasing the acidity
of the soil.

Garden centers offer aluminum sulfate which can be added to the
soil around hydrangeas to make the soil more acidic for blue
hydrangea blooms. Apply aluminum sulfate around plants that are
at least two years old, watering the plants well before applying. Mix
one tablespoon of aluminum sulfate per gallon of water and apply
throughout the growing season to retain the blue blooms.

If your soil is naturally acidic but you want pink hydrangeas, the
plants must not be given the opportunity to use the aluminum
present in the soil. Raising the soil pH to between 6.0 and 6.2 will
prevent the plant from taking up aluminum. Using a fertilizer high
in phosphorus will also prevent the plant from taking up aluminum
and will encourage pink blooms.

For more great information on hydrangeas including how to
grow a Tree Hydrangea check this out:
http://www.freeplants.com/hydrangeas.htm

THANX for READING.

Yours in Success http://www.wealthonauto.com/members/d4k9z/blog.htm