Care for your hydrangeas
So many people ask me about the color of hydrangeas. How do I change the color?
Well, here goes. I will try to explain.
The blooms of some hydrangeas change color naturally, most notably panicle hydrangeas, which go from white to pink as the plant ages.
Mountain and French hydrangeas are the only common types on which the flowers color can be altered.
The blue hue indicates the pH of the soil. In very acidic soil, with pH below 6, flowers turn blue. In alkaline soil, pH above 7, flowers turn pink or even red. In slightly acidic or neutral soil, ph 6-7, blooms might be purple or a mix of blue and pink on the same stem.
Keep in mind that selections vary in their sensitivity to pH. For example, AmiPasquier stays crimson in all but the most acidic soil, and purple Tiers hydrangea remains purple no matter what.
To make soil more acidic, just sprinkle ½ cup of sulfur over the soil beneath the hydrangeas and water it in. To make soil more alkaline, do the same with lime.
Endless Summer’s Color Me Pink and Color Me Blue products supply pelletized lime and sulfur, respectively. Depending on the size of your plant and your soil condition, you might need to apply it several times. Be patient, for results can take months.
The oak leaf hydrangeas will tolerate drought, but the French hydrangea needs lots of water in the summer months.
Mop head and lace cap are two different bloom forms exhibited by French and mountain hydrangeas. The mop head flowers consist of large rounded or conical clusters of showy sterile blooms that conceal the tiny seed producing flowers beneath them. A lace cap displays flattened clusters of small seed-producing flowers ringed by large showy sterile blossoms that may be different colors depending upon soil conditions.
Mop head types are more popular than lace caps and are considered more graceful.
Next: the most important thing about hydrangeas. Keep your clipper in the tool shed. If you want to keep your plant, just cut it back. The only time you trim a hydrangea plant is if the limb is in the sidewalk or laying somewhere you do not want it to be. Let me repeat: do not cut the bush, ever. You can clip the old blooms off when they dry but not before, and of course you can cut them and carry them in the house to enjoy.
The next big thing is the white powdery mildew and leaf spots you have to deal with when it comes to hydrangea. Most of the time it is from sprinklers and the splashing of drops that spread the disease.
Pick up and throw away any diseased leaves that have fallen. Spray the healthy foliage with Daconil or Immunox according to the label directions.
One of the questions asked is, when do I plant? The answer is, anytime you want – but it is best in early spring or fall so they will get set for the summer or set for the winter. Water them in.
