Hydrangeas are the absolute stars of the garden, bringing that dreamy, romantic vibe to any backyard. One of the coolest things about these beauties is that they can bloom in a variety of colors. If you want to keep those colors vibrant and your plants happy, I’ve got you covered. Here’s the lowdown on how to care for them so you can enjoy those blooms all season long.
Classic White Hydrangeas
The shape and color of your hydrangea blooms depend on the specific variety, the nutrients in your soil, and—most importantly—the soil’s pH level. Believe it or not, you can actually “steer” the color of your blooms by tweaking these factors! Many gardeners love the timeless, elegant look of creamy white hydrangeas. The best part? White varieties aren’t usually picky about pH levels. Just make sure they’re getting plenty of nutrients, and they’ll be good to go.
Blue vs. Pink and Red Blooms
If your soil pH sits between 5.2 and 5.5, those pink blooms might start shifting toward blue. If you want to keep them pink, your best bet is to plant them in specialized hydrangea soil and keep them well-watered. When the pH is just right, you’ll be rewarded with that gorgeous, soft pink that makes hydrangeas so enchanting.
Here’s what to keep an eye on for a healthy plant:
- The right soil pH level
- Proper nutrient balance
- Consistent watering
Then there are the deep red hydrangeas. These beauties thrive in alkaline soil. If the soil becomes too acidic, that bold red color will fade pretty quickly. If you’re aiming for a more alkaline environment to keep those reds popping, try adding some lime to your hydrangea’s spot in the garden. This helps raise the pH level (making it less acidic).
Using Fertilizer to Manage Your Soil
The easiest way to manage your soil’s pH and nutrient levels is by using the right fertilizers. There’s a specific formula out there for almost every type of hydrangea. Just keep an eye on how the fertilizer you choose affects your bloom colors, and you’ll have the most stunning garden on the block!
