Last updated on April 8th, 2022
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Hydrangeas are a unique plant known for having large blooms of various colours. Many people instantly think of the stunning pinks and blues for which they are so well known for. But how do they get that way?
There are different varieties of Hydrangeas, and they each require different growing conditions. Some, like the big leaf or mophead varieties, can thrive in almost any soil condition. However, the colour of the flowers that they produce is indicative of the soil type they are in.
- Blue flowers are the epitome of acidic soil, something achieved with ericaceous compost.
- Pink flowers are the epitome of alkaline soil.
- Purple flowers are somewhere in between and the exact shade you get is a reflection of the pH in your soil.
Know your Variety
There is no variety of Hydrangea that specifically needs ericaceous compost because they can get along quite well in almost any condition, however, this type of compost does bring with it some benefits. Now, this is something you only get the option with for the mophead varieties, those that start out with some shade of pink or blue.
If you have a different variety, for example, a Hydrangea that produces white flowers, the ericaceous compost won’t alter the flower colour.
You can purchase ericaceous compost from your local garden centre or make your own by adding acidic compost and material to the soil each season.
- This specialist Ericaceous Compost has been blended to provide the right acidic soil conditions needed for optimum growth
- Specifically designed for plants like Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Camellias, Heathers, Magnolias, Blueberries and similar.
- It is a general purpose compost, so use for potting on or taking cuttings. Contains 20% Forest Gold wood fibre, which reduces the amount of peat used, and opens the structure up.
- Also includes starter fertiliser and some slow release feed too, so need to feed for 10-12 weeks after potting.
- Supplied as 60L bag delivered direct to your door for ultimate convenience free of charge!
Testing the Soil
If you want to alter the flower colour from the one you are receiving, you can add ericaceous compost to the mix.
You can test the level of pH in your soil with an at-home test kit and this will tell you to what degree you need to modify the soil with ericaceous compost.
Once you have the numbers, and you know what needs to be changed, you can add ericaceous compost to the soil before you plant a new Hydrangea. This is something you will need to monitor seasonally because over time the soil your Hydrangea is planted in will eventually revert back to its original state, and the flowers will also revert back if you don’t keep on top of the acidic or alkaline levels.
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Tip!
If you have soil that is heavily alkaline and you want to keep it acidic for your Hydrangeas, you will need to make alterations every year. Your garden soil will naturally revert to its original level of pH. One alternative is to grow your Hydrangeas in pots or containers so that you have better control from the start over the pH levels.
Overall, Hydrangeas can certainly benefit from ericaceous compost from time to time, especially if you are growing a variety whose bloom colours you can (and want to) control.
Last update on 2022-03-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
