It is one of the most popular permanent bloomers for the balcony and the garden: the hydrangea. But if the flower suddenly grows green flowers and loses its actually beautiful blue, pink or white color, then the hobby gardener asks himself: What could be the reason? How do I get my flowers blue/pink again? My hydrangea is getting green flowers, but why do hydrangeas actually change color? We explain the most common causes of green flowers and what you can do about them.
With their beautiful white, blue, pink and purple flowers, hydrangeas are a real eye-catcher in the garden. But if the flowers suddenly turn green or if the hydrangeas bloom green again, then the question arises: What to do? A sudden oneColor change of flowerscan be due to incorrect soil conditions, unfavorable lighting conditions, air and soil moisture and natural processes such as withering. But there are also varieties that bloom green. We now list the most common reasons for a color change.
Why does hydrangea change color? Soil pH can cause discoloration
Hydrangeas prefer slightly acidic soil. Its pH value can directly affect the color of the flowers. For example, pink hydrangeas can suddenly produce blue flowers and vice versa - blue hydrangeas bloom pink. White-flowering varieties, on the other hand, do not have the ability to change their flower colors.
Blue hydrangea gets green flowers: aluminum salt deficiency
A possible reason for the green flowers of your actually blue hydrangea could be that the aluminum salt content in the soil is too low. Especially with potted plants, it can happen that the mineral is washed out with the irrigation water. You can find the alum at garden centers. Follow the instructions on the packaging and add the mineral to the water while stirring constantly. After it has completely dissolved, you can water the flower with it. As for irrigation water: Use either decalcified tap water or rainwater.
Blue hydrangea “Endless Summer” has green flowers: change in lighting conditions as a possible cause
Lighting conditions that change over the course of the gardening season can also have a negative effect on flower formation. If other trees nearby suddenly lose their leaves and the hydrangea is no longer in partial shade but in full sun, or if you move the potted plant to a new location, then it can produce predominantly green flowers. The reason for this is quite simple: green flowers are better at capturing and storing sunlight. Sunlight is particularly strong in mid and late summer. If the flowers are then exposed to direct sunlight for 6 hours a day, the flowers can turn green.
Farmer's hydrangea gets green flowers: drought and heat
Incidentally, long periods of heat can also have a negative effect on flower formation. Never let the soil dry out - the hydrangeas need moisture, otherwise they will quickly wither. As the flowers wither, they gradually lose their color and then turn green. So it could be that theFlowers wilt too quickly, because the hydrangea wants to save resources. Regular, extensive watering can prevent premature flowering.
Pink or white hydrangea Annabelle has green flowers: incorrect fertilization
Special case of hydrangea Annabelle: This variety blooms in white, pink and green. There are plants that are bred just like that and only produce green flowers. But if your flower suddenly just over the course of the gardening seasongets green flowers, then it may be due to the nature of the soil. After the gardening season ends, fertilize the hydrangea with cow manure or with a slow-release fertilizer for plants that prefer acidic soil. These include, for example, azaleas and alpine roses (rhododendron).
How do hydrangeas get their color back? Nursing measures
For now: Green flowers are no reason to worry. The young flowers are green, then change color (pink, white, etc.) and then turn green again when they wither. The good news: with appropriate care measures you can get your hydrangeas blue/pink/white again.
What to do when hydrangeas turn green: can cutting off the flowers help?
Fertilizing, watering and transplanting are measures that can have a long-term positive or negative effect on the flowers. But is there anything you can do to get the hydrangeas blue, pink or white again? Maybe cut off the green flowers to encourage flowering?
Cutting off the green flowers can promote flower formation and is recommended when the old flowers wither. However, if the green flowers have not withered, you can leave them.
How do I get my hydrangeas blue/pink again?
1. Send a soil sample for testing. With the results you will also receive fertilizer recommendations from the laboratory.
2. Never let the floor dry out.Water generouslyevery time.
3. If the hydrangea is too bright, you can shade it with an old curtain.
