Gardening Secrets: The Truth About Hydrangeas' Bloom Colors Revealed

Hydrangeas are widely known as the showy stars of the late-summer garden, with large shrubs displaying sprays of flowers in colors ranging from white, pink, rose, to an elusive blue. As summer turns to fall, the flowers can be harvested and dried to create stunning winter bouquets.
Challenges of Growing Hydrangeas
While hydrangeas are a popular choice for gardeners, growing them in the Inland Northwest can present a few challenges. These plants require regular watering, thrive in partial shade, and unfortunately are a favorite treat for deer. Many enthusiasts admire the striking blue blooms of the big leaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) commonly found along the coast. However, achieving and maintaining blue flowers in our region's soil can be difficult due to the need for acidic conditions with a specific pH range.
Overcoming the Blue Bloom Challenge
Despite the hurdles, gardeners can amend their soils with conifer bark, compost, and specialized fertilizers to increase soil acidity. However, the alkaline nature of our irrigation water can complicate efforts, resulting in flowers that transition from blue to pink hues over time. Additionally, proper pruning is essential to ensure plentiful blooms in the following year.
Alternative Hydrangea Options
For those seeking easier-to-grow varieties, there are alternatives to the big leaf hydrangea. While these options may not offer blue flowers, they boast blooms in shades of white, pink, and dusty rose. The PeeGee hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’) and the Annabelle hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle') are both hardy choices suited for colder climates.
PeeGee and Annabelle Hydrangeas
The PeeGee hydrangea, hardy to Zone 3, produces creamy white flowers that gradually change to a light dusty pink. This variety blooms on the current year's wood, making it resilient to winter weather. On the other hand, the Annabelle hydrangea, also hardy to Zone 3, offers massive white blooms resembling giant snowballs in June and July. Known for blooming on new wood, it can be heavily pruned in early spring.
Cultivation Tips
All hydrangeas benefit from consistent moisture levels and some shade in the afternoon. Well-drained soil enriched with organic matter and a layer of mulch to retain moisture are key factors for successful growth. These tips can help gardeners in the Inland Northwest enjoy the beauty of hydrangeas without the blue bloom blues.