Variety traits

Hydrangea flower color

Hydrangea L.

Color is a key ornamental trait of hydrangeas, evaluated on a 5-point scale, where higher scores are awarded to varieties with dynamically changing inflorescence colors.

In the reference 16 varieties crop Hydrangea, where this is mentioned in the description.

To assess the ornamental value of hydrangeas, a 5-point scale is used, in which maximum scores are assigned to varieties that demonstrate the ability to change color throughout the season. Stable, unchanging color is rated lower, as it reduces the variability of the ornamental effect.

In Hydrangea macrophylla, color depends on soil acidity and aluminum availability: at a pH below 5.5, the flowers acquire blue or light blue shades, while at a pH above 6.5, they turn pink or red. Other species, such as Hydrangea arborescens and Hydrangea paniculata, change color naturally during the growing season, passing through stages from green and white to pink or burgundy tones, regardless of soil pH.

Color management in agronomy is carried out through the correction of soil chemical composition. The use of acidifiers and aluminum compounds promotes the formation of blue tones, while soil deacidification shifts the palette towards pink; however, it is necessary to consider the risk of uncontrolled pH changes due to the proximity of concrete or limestone structures.

General information about the subject — on the page Flower color.

Sources8

Varieties of Hydrangea mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.