In the very beginning of spring compact blue or pink hydrangeas are sold everywhere as gift plants or to add early color to planters. Some people call them the 'foil hydrangeas' (the pot is usually wrapped in foil) and they are made to put on an impressive early show. Although it brings color and cheer early on, I always look forward to the real show that comes in summer...
It is only once the foil hydrangea blossoms have come and gone that those planted in the ground wake up and push forth little shoots of green along their old stems. For many weeks now I have been enjoying the varieties planted all over the city. These photos were taken recently and are of a lacecap hydrangea that I pass by and enjoy every year. I have always been fascinated by how some varieties react to soil contents through their fluctuation in color. I know it is only a reaction to the presence or lack of an element. But it gives them even more personality, reminding me of how my own pallor gives away my thoughts.
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I know that copper in the soil does something to hydrangias--makes them more blue, I think. Anybody know other elements that effect their color?
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PS
Does anybody know what variety this dreamy variety is? I've GOT to have it!
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Aulaire, it looks like a macrophylla x serrata hybrid (lacecap) to me but I'm no expert! You'd probably best check before you buy in case I'm wrong! Totally agree its gorgeous. I think you would need reasonably acidic soil to get the blue flowers; you could always have it in a big giant pot with the right kind of soil if what you have isn't suitable.
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Thank you, Tin Angel! I think you sound QUITE knowledgeable!
Yes, I just Google Imaged it, and that's the one (though the Google pictures aren't nearly as gorgeous as the one in Matt's picture).
THANKS!
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Auliarie, follow the link Matt provided: "react to soil contents through their fluctuation in color."
Matt, as always, spectacular shots.
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Acid soil encourages a stronger blue. In a variety bound and determined to be pink, though, it often just makes it purple. Which can be pretty in itself.
Alkaline soil makes them pink. Except when they don't want to be, and you get...more purple.
The white/greenish-white ones don't care either way and there's not much you can do to force them to do anything unusual that I know of.
My "blue" one defeated me this year, though. Despite careful application of naturally acid substances (pine needles, oak leaves, and coffee grounds) its only purplish because I left what I suspect was a strongly alkaline potting soil in it from the original container.
But next year, you'll see! You'll all see! [/mad gardener]
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Thanks for the link regarding the soil chemistry -- I have a huge hydrangea bush and it used to be blue, now it is half blue and half pink. Some other plant must be grabbing the acidic soil from the pink side ...
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You're welcome Aulaire! :)
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Hydrangeas (Called "hortensias" in galician, my language) came originally from Japan, but found a perfect climate here for growing, and you can see them in almost every garden in our region. If Chamellia is the national flower of Galicia, hydrangea should be the princess.
They grow and flower better if planted in garden, 'cos in pots they'll never get their best.
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Nohara,
I will admit that I had no idea where Galicia is. It looks like I will be reading a little on Wikipedia's entry for Galicia this afternoon.
Welcome to New York (even if it is only a visit through cyberspace)! By the way 'Nohara' means 'field' in Japanese. Is that why you have chosen that name, or is it also a word in Galician?
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