HYDRANGEA--COLOR
The color of some hydrangea can be changed by modifying the soil pH.
Hortensia hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) will turn blue if the soil
is on the acid side. Fertilize yearly with an acid fertilizer according
to direction; modify the soil when planting with two (2) pounds of sulfur
and peat moss. A pH between 4.5 and 5.5 is desirable.
To turn flower pink to light red, the soil should be neutral to alkaline.
Use ground limestone ONLY around the plant if the color isn't pink. Pink
colors occur between 6.5 and 7.5.
At pH levels higher than 7.5, chlorotic leaves and poor growth results.
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Hydrangeas, especially those that bloom early in summer, should be pruned in early spring. They will thus have the full season in which to develop flowering wood. The early blooming kinds produce most profusely when cut within 4" to 6" of the ground, the puny shoots being removed entirely.
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