I want to know what minerals or such that you add to Hydrangas to change their colors?

Question

I've been told that the color of a hydranga is based on whats in the soil. But what changes what? I mean what colors are possible & what do I add to my soil?

Thanks in advance for your knowledge.

Answer 1

the others have mentioned acid base changes in the soil which is true for some varities of hydrangea, others have beeen cultivated to just be certain colors.  

things you can add to the soil to change the pH include:

mirAcid (like a fertilizer from miracle grow)

composting apples and coffee grounds (produces acidic compost)

or you can add lime (not the citrus kind) or potash to make the soil more alkaline(base)

there are also varieties that are naturally pink, or Blue in regular soil

Answer 2

To turn color of Hydrangeas from pink to blue the soil needs both: acidity ( pH 5.2 - 5.5 ) and aluminium-ions. therefore it`s the best to add aluminum sulfate, a slightly acidic salt.

A soil test will help to find the best quantity to add.

Take care that there are no other plants hating acidic soil. You could damage them.

To turn color back to pink add dolomitic lime ( plant food -containing CaMg(CO3 ) ), to raise the soil pH to about 6.0 to 6.5 and to block the receptors for aluminium-ions.

More details also about sort of Hydrangeas, fertilizers etc:

http://gardening.about.com/od/flowerings...

Answer 3

The color in hydrangas is an acid base indicator and will change from pink through purple to blue. It is blue in basic soils and red in acid soils. I have heard of throwing the dish water on them . That should cause a blue.Also heard of peeing on them for the alkaline effect.  Try diluted lemon juice for pink or diluted vinegar.  I also just heard of some that stay white.

Answer 4

alum can be added to change the pH of the soil. It's not minerals persay you add, but things that can change the pH of soil from basic to acidic and vice versa.

It is much easier to control or alter the pH of the soil in a container than it is in the ground.

The addition of aluminum I think is the best way to get changes or the subtracting of it....which en tales changing the soil totally.

Alum can be bought at the drug store. Just ask at the counter for alum. You may get Ammonium Alum...which is the same thing, Just has one less Aluminium molecule in the formula, but it is still present.