What is Blue Hydrangea?
Blue Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Mariesii’) is a deciduous shrub that is native to Japan.
It grows to a height of 3-6 feet and has large, blue flowers that bloom in summer.
The leaves are green and the stems are red.
The plant does best in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained soil.
It is relatively easy to care for and is drought tolerant once established.
How To Get the Blue Color?
The blue color in the flowers is due to a high concentration of copper in the soil.
The plant will also develop a blue tint if it is grown in acidic soil.
To maintain the blue color, you will need to fertilize the plant with a product that contains copper sulfate.
How to Care for Blue Hydrangea?
It is easy to care for and does not require a lot of maintenance.
It should be watered regularly, especially during periods of drought.
The plant should be fertilized in spring and summer with a general-purpose fertilizer.
Pruning is only necessary if you want to shape the plant or remove any dead or damaged branches.
When to Plant the Blue Hydrangea?
This shrub can be planted in spring or fall.
The best time to plant is in early spring, before the new growth begins.
How to Plant the Blue Hydrangea?
When planting Blue Hydrangea, choose a location that has well-drained soil and full sun or partial shade.
The plant does not like wet or soggy conditions.
Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil. Water well to settle the roots.
Where to Plant the Blue Hydrangea?
This shrub can be planted in any location that has full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil.
It is a good choice for foundation plantings, hedges, and mass plantings. It can also be grown in containers.
When Is It In Bloom?
Blue Hydrangea blooms in summer, with the flowers appearing from June to August.
The flowers are blue or purple and have a diameter of 4-6 inches.
What Are the Uses?
Blue Hydrangea can be used as a specimen plant, in mass plantings, or as part of a hedge or foundation planting.
It is also an excellent choice for growing in containers.
How Long Does the Blue Hydrangea Live?
It is a long-lived plant and can live for 10-20 years with proper care.
What Are the Pests and Diseases?
Blue Hydrangea is generally pest and disease free.
However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and leaf spot if grown in humid conditions.
Is the Blue Hydrangea Poisonous?
No, it is not poisonous.
It is safe to grow around children and pets.
What Other Colors are of Hydrangea?
Hydrangeas come in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, red, and purple.
There are also varieties that have green or yellow flowers.
The color of the flower is affected by the pH level of the soil.
Soil that is acidic will produce blue or purple flowers, while alkaline soil will produce pink or red flowers.
White hydrangeas will bloom white regardless of the soil conditions.
Is There a Hydrangea That Stays Blue?
Yes, there are hydrangeas that stay blue regardless of the soil conditions.
These varieties include ‘Endless Summer’, ‘Pristine’, and ‘Blue Wave’.
Can You Change the Color of Hydrangea Flowers?
The color of hydrangea flowers can be changed by altering the pH level of the soil.
To make the flowers blue or purple, add sulfur to the soil to make it more acidic.
To make the flowers pink or red, add lime to the soil to make it more alkaline.
It is also possible to buy hydrangea plants that have been pre-treated with chemicals to change the flower color.
In Conclusion
Blue Hydrangea is a beautiful plant that is easy to care for and can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape.
It blooms in summer with blue or purple flowers.
The flower color can be changed by altering the pH level of the soil.
Blue Hydrangea is safe to grow around children and pets.