About This Episode's Blooms and Bicker
Reason Behind the Discoloration of My Hydrangea Flowers: Blue Turning Pale
Got a problem with your hydrangeas losing their vibrant hues? Grump's got the solution...or not. Plus, Grump's weekly rant about unwanted distractions.
Problem of the Week
"I've got these French hydrangeas that start off all blue and beautiful, but as the summer goes on, they turn white, green, or pale pink. Got any tricks up my sleeve to restore that stunning azure? - Roxanne
Grumpy Gardener: Hydrangea blooms naturally age and change color, so if they start out blue, you're gonna see them lose that oomph over time. There ain't no magical blend of fertilizers or hidden Chinese hormones to counteract this process; it's just a given. But if you fancy something that keeps on blooming, like Endless Summer...when the old buds start to lose their touch, snip those mother-bleepers off, and watch the hydrangea sprout fresh blooms with the colors you crave.
Rant of the Week
Welcome to Facebook Syndrome, a curveball in human behavior that shrinks attention spans down to the level of flies. Each week on my Grumpy Garden Facebook page, I post about a new plant that'll liven up your life. The info is straightforward: name, how to cultivate, and the nitty-gritty in the first three sentences. Now, I know that expectin' some folks to read from word one to word hundred is a lost cause.
About Ask Grumpy
Join Ask Grumpy, a jovial podcast starring Steve Bender, a.k.a. Southern Living's very own Grumpy Gardener. With over two decades of horticultural know-how, Grumpy shares advice, tips, and tricks on growing the right plants at the right time, and keeping things shipshape in the garden. Tune in every Wednesday and Saturday for quickie episodes filled with witty humor and practical advice. Make sure to catch Ask Grumpy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your audio fix so you don't miss a beat!
Editor's Note: Please note that this transcript does not go through the standard editorial process and may include inaccuracies and grammatical errors.
Enrichment Data:
Hydrangea Macrophylla & Soil Acidity
- French hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) primarily change color due to soil acidity. The key factor is the soil's pH level:
- A pH level below 6 in the soil leads to blue flowers.
- In alkaline soil (pH above 7), flowers turn pink or red.
- A shifting pH or non-acidic soil can cause the blue color to fade, resulting in white, pale green, or pale pink flowers[1][5].
- Other factors impacting the vibrancy and health of flowers and foliage include water stress, sun exposure, fungal diseases, and poor soil conditions. Excessive water or poor drainage can lead to fungal growth, which may cause white spots on leaves and impact color intensity[2][4]. Too much sun and wind can also stress the plant, resulting in faded, drooping, or brown leaves[3][4].
Reviving Vibrant Blue French Hydrangea
- Adjust pH: Maintain an acidic soil pH below 6 to encourage blue flowers. You can acidify soil by adding soil amendments such as aluminum sulfate or sulfur[1].
- Optimize Growing Conditions: Plant hydrangeas in areas with partial sun, ideally morning sun and afternoon shade. Avoid excessive wind exposure and ensure good drainage to prevent root suffocation and fungal diseases[3][4].
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply when the top inch is dry, and avoid overwatering[2][4].
- Fertilizing: Use a fertilizer especially formulated for acid-loving plants, but be mindful of overdoing it, as it can affect leaf and flower health[3].
By maintaining acidic and well-drained soil, providing a suitable environment, and adhering to proper watering practices, it's possible to encourage hydrangea blooms to regain their vibrant blue color.
- To bring back the stunning azure color of French hydrangeas, consider adjusting the soil pH to be more acidic, as this can promote blue flowers.
- The Grumpy Gardener's podcast, Ask Grumpy, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other audio platforms, offers practical advice and tips on home-and-garden topics like gardening, including tips for growing and maintaining French hydrangeas.
- Southern Living's Grumpy Gardener, Steve Bender, shares his expertise on home-and-garden topics, including gardening, via podcasts and on his Facebook page. Don't forget to check out the Ask Grumpy podcast for valuable insights into various home-and-garden lifestyle subjects like hydrangea cultivation.
