In the case of varieties with blue blossoms, however, it may occur that, instead of remaining blue, their blossom colour becomes increasingly reddish over the years. In order to prevent such blue blossoming hydrangeas from turning a dirty shade of pink, you must keep the acidity level of the soil at the site of the plant in the garden (the so-called pH value) acidic (pH 4.0 to 4.5). This is achieved by avoiding lime fertilisation on these hydrangea but also not using any other fertiliser containing lime.
This acidic soil must also contain sufficient plant-available aluminium. Ultimately, it is the aluminium absorbed which enables the plant to build up the blue pigmentation of the blossom.
Only when these two components are combined, acidic soil and sufficient plant-available a aluminium, do the hydrangea blossoms consistently remain nice and blue. To ensure both, supply blue hydrangea varieties every spring with special fertiliser for blue coloration of hydrangea, in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. These fertilisers contain aluminium sulphate and can normally simply be administered together with the irrigation water.
Tip: When planting, provide the location for your blue blossoming hydrangea with plenty of peat or peat-replacement humus substances. Apply these again every year, due to the natural degradation of these soil-acidifying humus applications.