Is there a true purple hydrangea? This is a question that many gardeners and landscaping enthusiasts may ponder. The answer lies in the genetics and growing conditions of the hydrangea plant.
Hydrangeas are known for their beautiful and vibrant blooms, which come in a variety of colors including blue, pink, white, and purple. However, it is important to understand that the color of a hydrangea bloom is not determined by the variety or species of the plant, but rather by the pH level of the soil and the presence of aluminum.
In general, hydrangeas will produce blue blooms in acidic soils with a pH level below 6.0. The blue color is a result of the presence of aluminum in the soil, which is more readily available to the plant in acidic conditions. On the other hand, hydrangeas will produce pink blooms in alkaline soils with a pH level above 6.0. In alkaline conditions, aluminum becomes less available to the plant, resulting in pink blooms.
When it comes to purple hydrangeas, things get a bit more complicated. While there are some hydrangea varieties that are marketed as “purple,” they are not true purple in the sense that they will consistently produce purple blooms regardless of soil conditions. These varieties may have a mix of blue and pink pigments in their blooms, resulting in a shade that appears purple in certain circumstances.
However, there are certain hydrangea cultivars that are more likely to produce blooms with a purple hue. These cultivars are often referred to as “mophead” or “bigleaf” hydrangeas, and they belong to the Hydrangea macrophylla species. Within this species, there are specific cultivars that have been bred for their ability to produce purple blooms more consistently.
One such cultivar is the ‘Forever&Ever’ series, which includes varieties like ‘Forever&Ever Purple’ and ‘Forever&Ever Double Purple.’ These hydrangeas have been specifically bred to produce purple blooms, even in neutral or slightly alkaline soils. They have a genetic predisposition to produce more of the blue pigment, resulting in a purple coloration.
Another cultivar to consider is the ‘Nikko Blue’ hydrangea. While this variety is often marketed as a blue hydrangea, it has been observed to produce purple blooms in certain conditions. This cultivar is known for its large, rounded flower clusters and its ability to tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels.
It is worth noting that even with these cultivars, the color of the blooms can still be influenced by soil conditions. For example, if the soil pH becomes more alkaline, the blooms may shift towards a pink coloration. Therefore, it is important to maintain the desired soil pH and provide any necessary amendments to keep the blooms in the purple range.
While there may not be a true purple hydrangea that consistently produces purple blooms regardless of soil conditions, there are certain cultivars that have a genetic predisposition to produce purple hues. These cultivars, such as those in the ‘Forever&Ever’ series and the ‘Nikko Blue’ hydrangea, can be a great choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of purple to their landscape. However, it is important to understand that the color of hydrangea blooms is influenced by soil pH and the presence of aluminum, so maintaining the desired soil conditions is key to achieving the desired coloration.
