Software
Houzz Logo Print
littlebug5_gw

Peat moss

12 years ago

I am a pretty new hydrangea mom, so go easy on me. My hydrangea is about 2 years old and is blooming for the first time this summer. It's got four or five open flower-heads with multiple more coming on. It's probably 3 feet tall and 3 feet across.

I read here that to make my Endless Summer bloom blue, I should use peat moss (among other things). How, exactly, do you use the peat moss? I've never used it before. Top dress like mulch? Dig into the soil around the plant? Soak in a bucket of water and pour the water on the plant?

And how much for one hydrangea? A handful? A gallon? A bushel basket full?

Comments (4)

  • 12 years ago

    Peat moss would be good to top dress but not for turning your hydrangea blooms blue (at least not quickly). It is the aluminum in the soil that turns big leaf hydrangea blooms blue (if they are predisposed for changing colors). Acidic soil allows the plant to absorb the aluminum while alkaline soil blocks the absorption from all I've read. To turn the soil acidic you can apply ammonium sulfate or sulfur-coated urea.

    Read more at this site:

    Raise acid level

  • 12 years ago

    Peat moss can be used to acidify soil (which is what helps keep the blue in hydrangea flowers) but it is best used as a soil amendment at planting time rather than a mulch later. Peat moss used as a mulch dries out too easily and then becomes hydrophobic or repels water.

    Aluminum sulfate, aka hydrangea bluing, is a better choice after planting. This will help to acidify soil as well as supply aluminum, which is what actually causes the blue color development. Just apply according to package directions. But be aware that this is not a fast fix (nor is the peat) - it is best applied in fall or in early spring to get good summer coloration. IOW, likely will not make a difference this season if applied now.

    It's also important to consider your natural soil pH. It is extremely difficult to make substantial changes in soil pH nor will they be very long lasting. I know a great deal of MO has natural limestone outcroppings which tends to make soil more on the neutral to alkaline side. If this is the case in your area, it may be very difficult for you to acidify your soil sufficiently for the hydrangea to bloom blue. You may be better off growing this plant in a container or raised bed where you can tailor the soil specifically to the plant needs.

  • PRO
    12 years ago

    Trying to make a hydrangea bloom blue in an alkaline situation is an exercise in futility. Enjoy the pink.

    Linda

  • 12 years ago

    I have had great luck with aluminum sulfate. I have 20 or more similar to Endless Summer that I maintain as blue. My soil is very alkaline and they were bright pink for the first two years.

    Use the aluminum sulfate sparingly. Error on the side of too little and add more next year if needed. It took me two years to get them where I wanted, but it was worth it. The maintenance is actually very low.