Illinois Blue Hydrangea Cultivation Tips?

To turn hydrangeas blue, you need to make your soil more acidic. This can be achieved by adding coffee grounds, vinegar, or even rusty nails to the soil. However, it is best to use aluminum sulfate, which is a proven method for changing flower color. Bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) flowers can change color, while oakleaf hydrangeas and smooth hydrangeas like ‘Annabelle’ only bloom in white or cream.

To ensure blue hydrangeas bloom, you should plant them in a pH of 5.2-5.5. If your soil is more alkaline, you can lower the pH by applying Soil Acidifier at the rate specified on the package. All hydrangeas prefer well-drained but consistently moist soil. Fertilizer is not necessary, but a good helping of organic matter is appreciated in spring.

Blue hydrangeas can transform your garden with their romantic, old world, and natural look. They are easy to grow in well-drained, sunny locations, but they will not bloom well in full shade. Most hydrangea shrubs aren’t difficult to grow in hardiness zones 3-9, as they prefer partial shade. New wood hydrangeas should be pruned in late winter to early spring before new growth occurs. Old wood hydrangeas should be planted in a spot with good drainage, morning sun, and afternoon shade.

In conclusion, to grow blue hydrangeas, you need to select appropriate varieties, optimize planting conditions, and tailor their care through the seasons. By following these tips, you can create the perfect soil for blue flowers and enjoy the romantic, old-world, and natural beauty of hydrangeas.

What keeps blue hydrangeas blue?

To turn hydrangeas blue, adjust the soil’s pH by adding aluminum sulfate, coffee grounds, vinegar, or other substances. This is a proven method for changing flower color, but it may take up to a year for the flowers to transition to the desired shade. The process is gradual and may require multiple applications. Re-test the soil’s pH and adjust treatments as needed. If the hydrangeas already bloomed pink, they may not see blue flowers until next year.

Soil amendments affect developing buds, not bloomed flowers. Be cautious when lowering the pH too much or too quickly, as this may cause plants to struggle to absorb necessary nutrients. If the pH becomes too low, apply lime to raise it back up.

What is the lifespan of a blue hydrangea?

Hydrangeas are large, shade-loving garden shrubs that flourish in cooler climates and have the potential to survive for up to 50 years with appropriate placement and maintenance.

Does vinegar turn hydrangeas blue?

The addition of vinegar to the soil can result in the blue hydrangea’s foliage taking on a blue hue. However, this method is time-consuming and the effect is relatively short-lived. The practice of repelling beneficial insects and inviting destructive ones renders the method unreliable. The blue hydrangea is an ideal gift for occasions requiring an expression of regret or forgiveness. The flower symbolizes regret and remorse, making it an appropriate choice for such occasions.

Do hydrangeas like sun or no sun?

Hydrangeas, commonly known as hydrangeas, prefer partial sun locations, receiving sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon. The Endless Summer® Hydrangea series, such as BloomStruck®, Endless Summer®, Blushing Bride®, and Twist-n-Shout®, prefer part shade. Smooth hydrangeas like the Annabelle Hydrangea also require some shade from the afternoon sun. Bigleaf hydrangeas, also known as hydrangea macrophylla, prefer some shade, especially during the afternoon. For best flowering, big leaf hydrangeas like Nikko Blue and Glowing Embers should get some sun.

Planting hydrangeas in a spot with good drainage, morning sun, and afternoon shade is essential. Most hydrangeas bloom in spring and summer, and can reach heights of 15 feet or higher. They can be grown in pots to decorate patios, apartment balconies, or as a hedge or privacy screen.

Panicle hydrangeas like Fire Light®, Limelight, Pinky Winky®, Strawberry Sundae®, and Vanilla Strawberry® can thrive in full sun. The new reblooming dwarf series, Let’s Dance®, and dwarf big leaf series, Cityline®, grow best in full or part sun. Newer smooth hydrangea varieties, Incrediball®, and Invincibelle® Ruby, are also recommended for full or part sun.

How do I make my hydrangeas blue?

Coffee grounds can be used to change the color of hydrangeas, but it’s best to use aluminum sulfate for a proven flower color change. Crushed eggshells may work, but they should be used with a proven method of raising the pH, like applying garden lime. Vinegar can be added to watering cans to change soil acidity and turn hydrangeas blue, but it’s not a long-term solution and can be harmful to local wildlife.

Will aluminum foil turn hydrangeas blue?

The pH of the soil determines the color of hydrangea flowers, which are influenced by the absorption of aluminum from the soil. A pink flower indicates the plant is getting aluminum, while a blue one doesn’t. To control the color, use a soil test kit or send a soil sample to county extension services. Acidic soil produces blue or lavender-blue hydrangea blooms, while alkaline soil promotes pinks and reds. A pH between 6 and 7 results in purple or bluish-pink blooms.

How long does it take to turn hydrangeas blue?

Large hydrangea plants may take months to change their color, and some flowers may not change color at all. To achieve color variation, amend the soil as needed and consider factors like growing near concrete, which is highly alkaline, and the pH of the water. Hard water contains many dissolved minerals, making it alkaline, while soft water is acidic. If watering the hydrangea with hard water, it will be a long and ongoing process. Use rainwater instead whenever possible to avoid these issues.

Will baking soda make hydrangeas blue?

Loamy soil has high soil buffering capacity, making it resistant to pH change. Baking soda, a small amount, doesn’t significantly impact the hydrangea’s color, as it leaves the pH unchanged. Adding more can damage roots and potentially kill the plant. For practical pH alterations, use soil amendments like sulfur to lower pH and lime to increase it, as these amendments have been proven to be effective.

How do you take care of hydrangeas in Illinois?

Hydrangeas are a popular and versatile plant that thrive in well-drained, moist soil. They can grow from 3 feet to 15 feet and have evolved from being a popular Victorian shrub to a popular choice in flat gardens in the Midwest. Hybridization of certain species has allowed them to adapt to different climates and preferences, such as shade tolerance, extended bloom time, and winter interest.

The most ornamental feature of hydrangeas is their beautiful blooms, which can persist into winter and can be left on the plant unless pruning is required. Some winter-hardy varieties in Chicago include mountain hydrangeas, which are smaller and delicate lacecap hydrangeas, ideal for shady garden beds and borders. Growers have turned to mountain hydrangea cultivars to supply hardy lacecap hydrangeas, as they are smaller in leaf and flower size.

Beautiful blooms can be found in various varieties, such as H. arborescens, H. serrata, and H. arborescens, which can be left on the plant unless pruning is required. These varieties are perfect for both suburban and urban gardens, making them an attractive and versatile plant for any gardener.

Do hydrangeas grow well in Chicago?

The majority of hydrangea varieties cultivated in Chicago are capable of withstanding the winter season. However, certain varieties, such as H. macrophylla, are prone to significant branch dieback during the coldest months of the year and require protection during the winter months to ensure their survival.

Where is the best place to plant blue hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas are frequently cultivated in beds situated in proximity to residential structures or fencing. This is due to their proclivity for warm morning sunlight and aversion to the heat of afternoon hours. Consequently, a sheltered location with sunny mornings and shady afternoons is optimal for their cultivation.