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Green-fingered Brits can help ensure blue hydrangeas retain their rich blue hue by using a specific type of soil, an expert says. The flowers, which are native to Asia and the Americas, can bloom in various vibrant colours.
You may have seen them in shades of pink, white, and sometimes even green. They can also produce beautiful blue petals, though the colour depends on the type of soil you’re using.
You may also find that the colour fades over time if you’re not taking steps to ensure the flowers are getting all they need to look their best.
Ann Marie, one of the writers at GrowVeg.com says the acidity of the soil is key.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, she said the “flower colour of hydrangeas depends strongly on soil pH, so to keep those blooms a lovely vibrant blue it’s essential to grow them in acidic soil or compost below pH6.2”.
Emma O’Neill, head gardener at sustainable gardening charity Garden Organic, also emphasised the importance of acidic soil, and revealed some hacks that may help.
“Pine needles around the base of the plant can increase the soil’s acidity: some gardeners swear by coffee grounds, (but the effects are anecdotal),” she told Express.co.uk.
“However, we’re all about the right-plant, right-place at Garden Organic so we would recommend you only plant blue hydrangeas if your soil is already acidic. Or, grow them in a container, in peat-free ericaceous compost, where you can control the soil conditions.”
Asked if there are any particular areas of the garden that work particularly well with hydrangeas, Anne Marie said they “often grow best next to a building or wall where the radiated heat helps safeguard new growth from frosts in spring, but it’s important to make sure the soil doesn’t get too dry in summer”.
Her warning comes as Britain enters the third heatwave of the summer, following the hottest June on record.
Meanwhile, the sweltering conditions Britain is experiencing can make it difficult for birds, which are important for the health of your garden.
Besides making your plot feel alive, they do vital jobs like helping to pollinate flowers, remove weeds from lawns and deter pests.
Kennedy Wild Bird Food, says ensuring bird baths are filled with fresh water is “essential” during the hot summer months in particular.
The bird food and pet supply company urges garden owners with a bird bath to clean and refill them so winged visitors can get some refreshment as the sun beats down.
