How to Change Hydrangea Color? One Simple Hack You Must Follow
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Hydrangeas are famous for their beautiful, large flowers, which bloom in a pink, blue, and purple colors. However, did you know that you can actually change the color of their flowers? With just one simple trick, it’s possible to turn your hydrangea’s hue, for instance, from blue to purple or pink, or from pink to purple. In this article, you’ll find out how to change hydrangea color, and we’ll answer some important questions when it comes to the conversion process. Are you curious?
Can you Change the Color of Hydrangeas?
It is so easy to change the color of this magnificent flower, due to the simple mechanism of its determination. The color of hydrangeas depends on the acidity level (pH) of the soil. If it is more acidic, the flowers will be blue, and if it is alkaline, they will be pink. Yet, when the soil is neutral, the hydrangea will bloom in purple. So, you should simply alter its pH level, and the color of your hydrangeas will change.
Wondering How to Change Hydrangea Color to Blue?
In order to change the color of hydrangeas to blue, you should make the soil more acidic. This can be achieved by adding aluminium sulfate to it, which is a natural mineral that can lower the pH level. The first thing, before using this chemical, is to test the pH with a soil testing kit. If the soil is already acidic, adding aluminium sulfate could harm the plant, so it is important to know the starting pH.
When you’ve determined it, it’s time to calculate the amount of aluminium sulfate you should add. A general guideline is to add 1 tablespoon of the chemical per 1 gallon of water (3.8 L) for every one point decrease in pH level. For example, if your soil has a pH of 7, adding 1 tablespoon of aluminium sulfate per gallon of water will lower it to 6. So, mix the chemical with water according to the package instructions, and then pour this mixture over the soil. It is essential to pour a lot of water on the soil after applying aluminium sulfate to avoid burning the plant’s roots. Repeat this process every 4–6 weeks until the desired blue color is achieved.
How to Change Hydrangea Color to Pink?
When you want to achieve a pink color, you have to make the soil more alkaline. This can be done by adding lime to it, which raises the pH level. To perform this, firstly test the pH level of your garden, where hydrangea grow, with a soil testing kit. A general guideline for its change is to add 4 ounces of lime per square yard (0.8 m2) for every one point increase in pH level. For instance, if your soil has a pH of 5, with this addition it will raise to 6. Spread the lime evenly over the soil and then mix it in using a garden fork or tiller. After that, water the area thoroughly. Repeat this process every 4–6 weeks until the pink color is achieved.
How to Change Hydrangea Color to Purple?
If you want to change the color of hydrangeas to purple, you should make the soil more neutral. Furthermore, add a balanced fertilizer, which contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to neutralize the pH level. Before doing this, test the pH level with a soil testing kit again, as if it is already neutral, adding fertilizer could harm the plant. Once you’ve determined the pH, it’s easy to calculate how much fertilizer to add. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging when considering the correct amount you should use. Spread fertilizer evenly over the soil surface, and then mix it in. Finally, water the soil thoroughly. Repeat this process every 4–6 weeks until you get a purple color.
Do Coffee Grounds Change the Color of Hydrangeas?
There is a common belief that adding coffee grounds to the soil can change the color of hydrangeas. However, this is not always the case. Coffee grounds are acidic, therefore they will lower the pH level of the soil. But if it is already acidic, this coffee grounds can make it even more acidic, which could harm the plant. On the other hand, if the soil is alkaline, adding this natural product could help make the environment more acidic and turn the flowers blue.
It is important to note that coffee grounds should be used sparingly and mixed with other organic matter, such as compost, to avoid burning the roots. Also, adding too much of this natural product can cause nitrogen toxicity, which is harmful to the plant.
Changing the color of hydrangeas is not an instant process and can take several weeks to achieve the final result. With a little patience and the right tools, you can turn your hydrangeas into a stunning display of colors.