Text Box: ·          How to change flower color? Flower color on hydrangea may change depending on soil P.H...  It is not the P.H. itself that changes the color, but it is the availability of Aluminum ions that directs the color.  The lower the P.H. in the soil (acidic) the blooms tend to turn blue.  The higher the phosphorous or P.H., flowers tend to be pink. The degree of color change is dependent upon the amount of aluminum ions available and the cultivar itself. Aluminum sulfate can be used to change the flower color to blue.  Super phosphate can be used to change the flower color to red or pink.

Text Box: Hydrangeas that bloom on "Old Wood"  set their flower buds during late summer to early fall to bloom the following early summer.  Best to prune just as the flowers begin to fade in mid-August.  Remove old blooms (deadheading) in August.  Cut short stems so you won't disturb any developing bloom buds for next year.  Cut above the first set of largest leaves to be sure.  Also, at any time you can selectively prune out any dead stems to help improve vigor.  Listed below are 3 popular species: ·    Hydrangea macrophylla — Big Leaf Hydrangea (bloom on old wood) The most widely used cultivars are Nikko Blue, Pink Beauty, Blue Wave, Mariesi and Glowing Embers. ·    Hydrangea serrata — Serrated Hydrangea (bloom on old wood) Hardy cultivars are Bluebird, Pink Beauty and Preziosa. ·    Hydrangea quercifolia — Oakleaf Hydrangea (bloom on old wood) Cultivars are Alice, Snow Queen, Snowflake and Harmony. Hydrangeas that blooms on "New Wood" are stems that develop on the plant during the current spring season.  Best to prune late winter and early spring before new growth begins.  Bloom time are from midsummer and continue until late fall. ·    Hydrangea arborescens — Smooth Hydrangea (bloom on new wood) Popular cultivars are Annabelle and White Dome. ·    Hydrangea paniculata — Panicle Hydrangea (bloom on new wood) Great cultivars in this group are Grandiflora, Tardiva, Quick Fire, Kyushu, Pink Diamond and Limelight. The new cultivars ‘Endless Summer’ and ‘Let’s Dance’ hydrangeas have the ability to bloom on old and new wood alike.

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