\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. As mentioned earlier, blooms won’t start to occur until at least three years in if you’re lucky. It’s important to note that blue hydrangeas with the deeper pigments tend to withstand more sun, which gives you a little more versatility in siting them in your garden. When hydrangea plants are given plenty of growing space in the garden, they don’t need pruning. First, get a handful of dirt. To raise the pH, use ground lime. You can even get ones with purple foliage like this ‘Plum Passion’ from Monrovia. These types of hydrangeas have the interesting ability to change the color of their blooms based on the chemistry of the soil. can range from deep blue to pale pink or white, depending on the variety and also the pH and aluminum levels of the soil. Be Patient with Your Garden You can find aluminum sulfate at most garden supply stores. The blue is how they’re most commonly described. With time, the branch will form its own root system and may be transplanted to a new location. Sprinkle elemental sulphur around the base of the shrub to bring your soil’s pH below 5.5. The ‘Snow Queen’ hydrangeas showcase stunning blooms of large and upright conical flower heads with white florets, as well as lobed, oak-like leaves that turn bronze-purple to red in the fall. Pruning can occur any time after flowering is over, although some leave it until mid winter. Don't want to miss Nick's Seasonal Decor's next episode? Lyme makes it harder for your hydrangea plant to absorb aluminum so it will become more purple. Thirdly, those who wish to change hydrangeas to purple or blue will need to make their soil more acidic (if it isn't suitably so already) and must ensure that it contains a sufficient amount of aluminum. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Warning: Always use gardening gloves when handling lyme to protect your skin from irritation. Don’t try to rush when changing your soil’s pH. Learn about different types of hydrangeas that bring red shades to the garden. Last Updated: September 28, 2020 One reason they are so popular in gardens is that they have the unique ability to change colors. Make sure soil is thoroughly moist before applying the solution. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Get video instructions about kitchens, bathrooms, remodeling, flooring, painting and more. 18K Followers . Here is how to make this easy hydrangea wreath with just 2 materials (and a couple of tricks to make it last). Bring the stunning beauty of Annabelle hydrangea to your yard in shades of white or pink. Snapper/Getty Images. To do that you need to mix the peat with iron, or water it regularly with an iron compound. With a pH between 6 and 7, the blooms turn purple or bluish-pink. You'll see most bigleaf hydrangeas in "baby" colors -- blue or pink -- but careful adjustment of the soil can result in purple hues. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 985 times. If your garden plan includes purple hydrangeas, buy the right kind and prepare to get your hands dirty. Why Hydrangea Color Changes. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Acidic is pH 7 and below. How to Get More Blooms From Your Hydrangeas and learn if you should prune them back. How to Get Purple Hydrangeas. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Red stems give this Hydrangea macrophylla another layer of red, and red leaf veins stand out on leaves. Hydrangea are made up of small, clover-shaped flowers, which cluster together to give the illusion of one large, airy bloom. Young plants make lovely centerpieces for summer gatherings. 8 years ago. The bloom is a rich, royal purple hue, with lavender highlights and pale yellow undertones that make it perfect for colorful garden-inspired arrangements. That said, if you want to see your hydrangeas change color right before your eyes, make sure that you’re working with hydrangea macrophylla. Soil pH kits come in a few different designs. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. To make soil more acid, just sprinkle 1⁄2 cup of garden sulfur over the soil beneath the hydrangea, and water it in. To increase the acidity of your garden’s soil, use vinegar! The aqua-colored McCoy bowl peeking out is a bright surprise. Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0. Learn about different hydrangea flower types and why some hydrangea flowers steal the spotlight better than others. Gradually the color will shift towards blue. A: You make a hydrangea have purple blooms by manipulating the pH, just as you do with the pink and blue flowers. This red hydrangea grows 3 … Color changes from pink to blue, or blue to pink, are the result of soil pH and the presence of aluminum. Steal the spotlight better than others my garden: Limelight, Vanilla Strawberry and Endless summer few that. Who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness flowered yet handling garden lyme to protect your from! In similar shades 2 materials ( and a couple of tricks to make soil more acid, just 1⁄2. Or rocky slopes of oakleaf hydrangea ( hydrangea quercifolia ) bloom best in areas hot. Are a very beautiful plant you should prune them back was co-authored by our trained of! 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