Hydrangea question

Just over 2 weeks ago we had a bunch of new plants put in a new bed in our backyard. 2 of the plants are hydrangeas, which weren't blooming when put in. They have just started to bloom pink. Do you think that's from the soil in the pots they were in at the nursery, or the acidity from our soil? My dd is so excited they are pink, wondering if they may still turn blue.

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We have one that is all pink and one that has turned pink to blue to purple - the tag said colors change due to the acidity in the soil.

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I'm not sure how long it has to be in the soil to change the color of the flowers, but I remember reading somewhere that you can "help" the acidity of the soil by adding coffee grinds to the soil.

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here is what I found Hope it helps!

To obtain a blue hydrangea, aluminum must be present in the soil. To ensure that aluminum is present, aluminum sulfate may be added to the soil around the hydrangeas.

Authorities recommend that a solution of 1/2 oz (1 Tbsp) aluminum sulfate per gallon of water be applied to plants (which are at least 2-3 years old) throughout the growing season. Important: Water plants well in advance of application and put solution on cautiously, as too much can burn the roots.

To make the aluminum available to the plant, the pH of the soil should be low (5.2-5.5). Adding aluminum sulfate will tend to lower the pH of the soil. Another method for lowering the pH is to add organic matter to the soil such as coffee grounds, fruit and vegetable peels, grass clippings etc.

If the soil naturally contains aluminum and is acid (low pH) the color of the hydrangea will automatically tend toward shades of blue and/or purple.

The choice of fertilzer will also affect the color change. A fertilizer low in phosphorus and high in potassium is helpful in producing a good blue color(25/5/30 is good. Potassium is the last number). Superphosphates and bone meal should be avoided when trying to produce blue.

After stating this with much certainty, I hasten to add that it is virtually impossible to turn a hydrangea blue for any length of time if it is planted in soil with no aluminum and that is highly alkaline (chalky). One would have to be very diligent in keeping the soil properly conditioned as stated above.

Perhaps the best idea for growing blue hydrangeas in an area with alkaline soil would be to grow them in very large pots using lots of compost to bring the pH down. The above suggestions for bluing would also work for a potted plant. Reduce the strength of the Aluminum sulfate to 1/4 oz per gallon of water. In a pot, it will be much easier to control the requirements for bluing.

One last suggestions for those who are serious about this process. It is important to have your water tested so that it will not "contaminate" the soil that you have so rigorously balanced. The pH of the water should not be higher than 5.6.

Planting hydrangeas near a concrete foundation or sidewalk will often affect the color since the pH of the soil may be raised considerably by lime leaching out of these structures, making it difficult to obtain blue.

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Mine Start pink then change colors...

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Thanks everyone! I'm so excited to see them in full bloom!

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We were told when we planted ours to put some copper pennnies in the hole before we planted them.... the copper zinc will turn it more blue. HTH! There's also a solution you can buy- just ask at the nursery.

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It's probably from the pots they were in. Add a little garden lime to your soil to insure that they stay pink. You can pick it up at Home Depot or Lowes for around $5.00.

HTH,
Kelly