Colours of Hydrangeas
Did you ever wonder what differentiates Hydrangeas in their colours? They range from pink to blue, including all shades of lavender to violet and purple, as well as green and white colours. In case you have grown them in your garden, you may have been surprised about the colour that ended up appearing on the bushes.
In fact, the colours of these flowers are not a result of a variety of different pigments as is the case for other flowers, such as roses or tulips. Hydrangea blooms act as a natural pH indicator for the soil in which the plant grows.
When the shrub grows in a very acidic soil, the result of the flower colour is going to be blue. The development of the red and pink colour indicates a neutral to basic soil. An interesting fact is that these flowers indicate the pH with a reverse colour of those for litmus paper.
When it comes to white Hydrangeas, unlike others, they don’t change their colours regardless of the pH of the ground. However, when they get older they can turn blue or pink at the tips. To prevent that from happening, you can use a well-balancer fertilizer that is low in phosphorous and keep the acidic levels of the ground lower.
*LITTLE TIP
Important thing to note when growing Hydrangeas is that even though they like the sunlight, they love the afternoon shade. Too much sun and high heat can dry your flowers. As a result they will start wilting and turning brown in colour.
If you are looking for a cooler place for them, try avoiding planting them under the tree. The tree will most likely absorb all the nutrients and harm your Hydrangeas.
Antique Hydrangeas
These flowers have a very specific characteristic of antiquing, that is usually compared with aging. This process starts happening at the end of August and the beginning of September.
The blossoms start changing their bright summer colours into smokey burgundy, faded green, shimmering blues and soft lavender colours, something more suitable for the beginning of the autumn season.
If you are to see these flowers for the first time, you would think that this is another variety of the plant. But note that these types of Hydrangeas are not a separated specie from fresh Hydrangea macrophylla.
In case you are harvesting them from your garden you should know that when the colours start to change, the flowers are still not ready to be cut. You should continue watering your plants and leave the flowers for a little while. If you notice that the flowers are a bit crisp when touching them – it is the time for the harvest!
Antique Hydrangeas will not wilt or die in your vase. They are perfect for those who love to keep their flowers for a longer time on the table.
This time we have decided to go with Hydrangea Sibilla Classic in combination with Gyps my Pink and boy was that a good idea! Hop over to our Instagram page to see a closer look of this Antique Hydrangea and it's magical colours.
