Large hydrangea flowers can transform any garden, but not everyone knows that their color can be influenced. It depends on soil acidity and nutrient availability. There is a simple home trick to promote more intense shades.
Opulent hydrangea
Hydrangeas are among the shrubs that cannot be overlooked in the garden. Big rich flowers, rich colors, simply spectacular and beautiful at first glance. They originate in Asia, mainly in Japan and China, but they settled here a long time ago. They have been cultivated in Europe since the 18th century and today they are almost everywhere. At villas, at houses, in gardens and in smaller front gardens.
The name Hydrangea has a connection with water, and it is no coincidence. These plants need quite a bit of it. When they don’t have moisture, you can tell quickly. Nevertheless, it is not an overly demanding green. If you give them basic care, they will do well with you.
They like hydrangeas partial shade and soil that retains moisturebut it’s not hard. Direct sun, especially in summer, can harm them. Better is a place where light and shadow alternate a little. Watering is important, the soil should not dry out completely. At the same time, water must not stand near the roots. and their demands differ slightly. Pay attention to this already when buying a plant.
Fertilization plays a bigger role than it seems. When the plant lacks something, the flowers are smaller and the colors dull. And then there’s one more thing that a lot of people overlook. Soil pH really matters for hydrangeas. It plays a role not only in vitality.
You can learn all about cutting hydrangeas in the following post from the Family Garden Amalia YouTube channel.
Orange as a little trick
Hydrangeas are among the few plants that can affect the color of the flowers just by using pH. It depends on the acidity of the soil and fertilizers can also play a role. , more basic rather pink or red. It has to do with how the plant takes up aluminum.
Of course, not all flower colors can be changed. This is not true for all varieties. White or greenish species do not change color.
And now the simple trick. Citrus peelfor example from an orange, contains acids and nutrients. As it decomposes, it gradually releases Family Garden Amaliawhich all plants require. At the same time, it slightly acidifies the soil, which often suits hydrangeas. But the effect is not immediate.
How to use it to make sense
The skins are best dry and crumble. Then it is easy to work it into the soil around the bush. They can also be made into an infusion in water or mixed and used as a topping.
But you shouldn’t overdo it with fertilizers and various supporting waterings either. Additionally, large pieces of fresh bark can rot in the soil or attract insects. But in smaller quantities, they work quite well as a natural care supplement.
The result will not come immediately. Gradually, the pH of the soil will improve, the plant will grow stronger and the flowers may become more prominent. Especially with blue shades, this difference is really noticeable. However, if you do not want to hide the skins, dry them and process them, you can definitely rely on industrial fertilizers designed for hydrangeas. Acidic natural remedies such as citrus peel or are free, however.