If you find out more about caring for hydrangeas, you will soon come across the relevance of the pH value of the soil. This plays a special role in hydrangeas. You can find out exactly what you need to pay attention to when it comes to the pH value and how you can measure and influence it here.
What pH value do hydrangeas need?
The ideal pH value for hydrangeas is 5.5. Special hydrangea soil usually contains exactly this value and thus helps hydrangeas to optimally absorb nutrients. If you want to influence the color of your hydrangea flowers, you should adjust the value slightly up or down.
What pH is best for hydrangeas?
Which pH value is suitable for hydrangeas can best be answered with“It depends”. There are actually differences from variety to variety and the gardener's preference also plays a role. In principle, however, one thing can be said: hydrangeas like acidic soil. This means that the pH value should be correspondingly low. Roughly speaking, you can remember that soils with a pH value below 6.5 are called acidic. If the pH is above 7.5, it is alkaline. Values in between are neutral ground.
What pH value does hydrangea soil have?
Hydrangea soil in specialist stores usually has a pH value of5, 5 For this reason it is not suitable for most other plants, because there are only a few plants that are like this Hydrangeas thrive in acidic soils. As an alternative to hydrangea soil, rhododendron soil can also be used. This is usually a little more acidic with a pH value between 4 and 5.
How can I measure soil pH?
To measure the pH value of the soil, you can buy speci altest sticks from specialist retailers. The pH value can be read from the color of the stick. If you want to know more, you can buy or borrow a measuring device to measure the pH value. If, on the other hand, a rough estimate of whether your soil is more acidic or more alkaline is enough for you, you can carry out a test using simple home remedies: Pour some baking soda and water into a cup. Then add your soil sample to the beaker. If the sample reacts with the baking soda and you hear a hissing sound or see bubbles rising, this is a sign of acidic soil.
How can the pH of the soil be changed?
Blue hydrangeas or pink ones that are to be dyed blue require an even lower pH value. Ideally, thisshould be below 4.5. At this value, the hydrangea can better absorb the aluminum sulfate from the soil, which triggers the chemical reaction of the blue color.
Reducing the pH value can be achieved by using rhododendron soil or special hydrangea fertilizer, so-calledHydrangea blue Fertilizer from household products such as leaf compost can also be used to reduce the pH value.
Tip
Obtain pink flowers with a high pH value
If you have pink hydrangeas in your garden and don't want a color change, you should be careful not to let the soil pH get too low. A pH value of 6 is ideal. If you find a lower pH value after the analysis, you can increase the value by adding lime. This keeps the hydrangea pink.
