soil/color question 102

21 years ago

I do undertand basic soil acidity and color production concept 101 but I need to know if certain cultivars are more/less easily controlled. I Don't particularly like the sky or robin's egg type blue, even the dark shades, but have acid soil so most of the plants will eventually turn blue or purple. So, I'm asking first if some varieties are easier to control the color change. Then since I'm a rather lazy procrastinate type gardener I'd like to know if a little lime now and again can keep some of the pinks from turning? How long does it take to be effective ie., this spring for this year or when the blooms start showing blue tendencies etc. Also what amount to use for what size plant and what happens if less or more is used.

Thanks M

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Comments (4)

merryd
Original Author
21 years ago
bumping this up, hope someone will answer.
Brent_In_NoVA
21 years ago
I don't have an answer for you, but I also have a similar question. On Miriam's "Pics of my garden" thread, some of her hydrangeas were blooming pink. I asked about it and here was her reply:

"The main pink one between the blue billows and nachtigall is preziosa, which doesn't look very pink the in pictures but is. It starts out white and no matter what your soil; it will turn a spotty dark pink/crimson. My other pinks are either in pots, recently put in the ground (pia, sibilla), or so some freak reason, stayed pink. I have never treated with lime or anything to change the colors. The dark pink one in the cluster with the Madame Emile is one I propagated from a neighbor 4 years ago (you can only see one bloom in the pic). I took a cutting because it was such a beautiful dark pink, and was obviously over 5 years old. I've just been lucky because it has stayed that pink naturally. I have heard that lime can leach off of a house foundation, changing the soil and this one is planted right near my 60 year old house. But, the Charm near it is blue so who knows. I don't attempt to figure out why they are the color they are, I just enjoy it!"

I have not been able to confirm this, but I have seen statements that lead me to believe that some hydrangeas may need more acidic soil to turn blue, meaning that in slightly acidic soil that would be pink. Can a knowledgeable hydrangea grower comment on this?

- Brent
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yellowgirl
21 years ago
Some hydrangeas such as "Forever Pink" are more prone to be pink and therefore will be lighter pink in neutral soils and be a darker or more purple-ish color in acidic soils but will not turn true blue. "Glowing Embers" is another that comes to mind. It is easier to grow plants of this sort than to continually put lime in the soil (an uphill battle) and in doing so possibly risking the health of the plant.....yg
JohnAnna
21 years ago
merryd, I have read that the only sure way for those of us with decidedly acid soil to turn a hydrangea pink and keep it that way, is to grow it in a large container where the soil acidity can be better controlled. I recently planted two pink Pia plants, and I'm thinking I'll dig them up and put them in containers.

I've been reading a lot on hydrangea culture, but can't remember where I read the above.