Changing Hydrangea color by "old school" techniques.

by Whitney Arnold
(Charleston, South Carolina)

I was looking on the internet to research changing the color of Hydrangea blooms by using techniques my mother once told me and used herself. Basically it was to use a copper penny or an iron nail (I think thoses were what was used.) Anyway, I was just trying to remember this and if you could give me any correct information. From what I remember, I'm pretty sure it worked by putting either the penny or nail in the soil next to the plants roots.
Thanks, Whitney

Doug says the soil acidity changes the flower color. So unfortunately, putting a copper penny or nail into the soil won't do it. Even if it could the disintegration of the material is so slow the surrounding soil would simply absorb it.

Want to acidify - dig in peat moss - for blue.
Want pink - add limestone to make more alkaline.

Simple. But continuous attention needed because the changes will be short term.

Good luck