Myth or Fact: Can Vinegar Make Hydrangeas Turn Blue?

There are many different gardening myths that can be de-bunked when it comes to hydrangeas, and what exactly turns their flowers blue. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago shares her thoughts around using Vinegar to have an impact on the bloom color of hydrangeas, and if it will actually turn their flowers blue.

Hydrangea flowers blooming in a bright blue color with green foliage in the background.

Contents

Blue hydrangea flowers are the envy of gardeners everywhere. There are so few plants out there that produce true blue flowers. Luckily we have the hydrangea that not only produces blue flowers but very large blue flowers as well.

Unfortunately, not everyone’s true blue hydrangea dreams come true. This could be for a number of reasons. Most likely, you’ve not chosen the right type of hydrangea, but it could have to do with your soil pH. 

Because this soothing hue is so sought after, the internet is flooded with myths and tricks about how to achieve the bluest of the blues. So, can you successfully use vinegar to turn your hydrangea flowers blue? If you enjoy these D.I.Y.  life hacks, read along to find out if this nifty trick is truly all it’s hyped up to be. 

The Short Answer

Diluted apple cider vinegar has been known to acidify garden soil, which in turn will turn your hydrangeas blue. Of course, with any home gardening remedy, it is not quite black and white. There are some risks, and hitches along the way. I believe that this remedy could work, but I also believe that it would not be permanent and could be potentially damaging if it is overused.

The Long Answer

A close-up reveals clusters of vibrant blue Hydrangeas, their delicate petals forming a tapestry of azure beauty. The lush green leaves provide a striking contrast, creating a harmonious blend of colors that captivate the eye.
The presence of aluminum in the soil determines the blue color of your flowers.

Hydrangea macrophylla, or bigleaf hydrangeas, are sensitive to the pH of garden soil. If your garden soil is alkaline (pH of 6.5 or higher), your hydrangeas will have pink flowers. Where if your soil is acidic (pH of 5.5 or lower), the blooms will be blue

Aluminum is the element that is responsible for turning your flowers blue, and it is readily found in most soils. However, the more acidic the soil is, the easier it is for your plants to absorb the aluminum. When soil is sweet or alkaline, the aluminum will not be as available to be taken up by the roots of your hydrangeas. This is why people often use aluminum sulfate to help turn flowers blue; the sulfur component reduces the soil pH and makes it absorb the aluminum better.

Before adding a soil additive, it is really important to test your soil to make sure you aren’t adding anything that is unnecessary to your gardens. Doing so could damage your plants. 

Vinegar itself is an acidic solution with a very low pH of 2.5. The addition of vinegar to soil has been shown to lower its pH. 

Know Your Species

A close-up of white Hydrangeas with their petals exuding an ethereal glow. Their soft, velvety texture invites gentle caresses and awakens a feeling of delicate elegance.
Ensure you are cultivating the appropriate hydrangea species before considering any soil amendments.

Before you try adding anything to your soil, make sure you are growing the right species of hydrangea. Hydrangea macrophylla or bigleaf hydrangeas are the only type of hydrangea that are sensitive to the pH of the soil. When growing any other species, your flowers cannot change colors. 

If you are certain you are growing a bigleaf hydrangea, there is one small speed bump you need to cross before you can begin your color-changing journey. If the variety you’ve chosen is white, you cannot alter these flowers. White hydrangeas will always be white hydrangeas. 

Bigleaf Hydrangea Trademarks

  • Blooms on old wood.
  • Flower buds will be present from early fall through the winter.
  • Grows best in partial shade.
  • Has a mounded growth habit.
  • Produces blue, white, pink, or purple ball-shaped flowers.

Vinegar Soil Test

Clasped within a man's hands, dark brown soil speaks of earth's richness and fertility. As he cradles it gently, the grains slip through his fingers, embodying the essence of nature's nourishment. Verdant green grasses are cultivated nearby.
Obtain a scoop of soil from your garden and place it in one of the containers.

This is a fun science project with kiddos, but it is just as fun and informative to do by yourself. You will need some vinegar, water, baking soda, and two clear containers, such as mason jars.

Collect a scoop of garden soil and dump it into your containers. It is helpful to take this soil sample from the garden where you hope to blue your hydrangeas. You will have the best results if you take this soil sample from a few inches below the soil surface. 

Add soil to both of your containers. In the first container, add ½ cup distilled water to your soil and mix it around. Next, add ½ cup vinegar to the mixture. If your soil mixture begins to bubble or fizz, you have alkaline soil.

In the next container, add ½ cup of distilled water and ½ cup of baking soda to your soil. Mix these ingredients around. If this mixture bubbles, the soil is acidic. The stronger the bubbling, the more acidic the soil is.

Of course, the results of this test will not give you specific results the way that a lab would, but it is enough information to get you headed in the right direction. 

How To Do It

Positioned near a water faucet with a hose, a green watering can awaits its purpose, ready to provide sustenance to the thirsty flora. The backdrop showcases a solid wall.
It’s important to note that undiluted vinegar can be harmful to your plants.

Fill a large watering can with water from your hose and apple cider vinegar to the watering can. You are looking for a ratio of 20 parts water to 1 part vinegar. Just eyeball it. Remember, less is more. Mix it around.

Use the watering can to apply the mixture. Water the plant as you normally would. Make sure you are applying this mixture to the soil around your plant and not on top of the plant. Diluted vinegar may be safe, but undiluted vinegar can harm your plants. Better to be safe than sorry!

Be Careful!

A green watering can pours life-giving water onto the delicate light purple Hydrangeas, their blossoms reminiscent of cotton candy in hue. Each petal carries a subtle blush, enchanting observers with a dreamy allure. Surrounding them, the lush green leaves stand as guardians of vitality, embracing the vibrant display of colors.
Excessive vinegar can harm your gardens as it acts as a potent natural weed killer when sprayed on weed surfaces.

Be very slow while adding this mixture to your garden. Start with a low rate. If you notice that you are having some success, you can always go back and apply it again. 

Vinegar can damage the leaves of your hydrangea. It is really important to make sure that this mixture is diluted enough to avoid any damage. Take your time and make sure that the mixture is only hitting the roots of the plant. 

Over time, too much vinegar may damage your gardens. Horticultural vinegar, with its high levels of acidity (15% or higher), has been known for a long time to be an excellent natural weed killer. This works by spraying vinegar onto the green herbaceous surface of your weeds.

While household vinegar is much less potent at 3% to 5%, imagine what could happen if you suddenly have a bunch of vinegar building up in your soil over time. While the vinegar will eventually neutralize, you might have a problem for quite a while until it does!

What Else Can I Do?

With a blue water spray in hand, a person carefully mists a potted Hydrangea plant, adorned with beautiful pink flowers. The vibrant blossoms create a captivating display against the lush backdrop of glossy green leaves. The person wearing white gloves ensures tender care for the delicate plant.
To acidify soil and enhance the blue color of your hydrangea blooms, use products containing aluminum sulfate.

Many products on the market are specifically meant to acidify the soil and blue up your hydrangea blossoms. These products usually contain the main ingredient of aluminum sulfate. If you are opting to use a ready-made product, use the application rate found on the product label to ensure your plants are getting the right amount!

There are many other methods of turning your hydrangeas blue, and many of them are anecdotal at best and harmful at worst. Garden myths like using pennies or rusty nails to change bloom colors are just that, garden myths.

Final Thoughts

If you are willing to venture out on this gardening hack, do so with caution. Ensure that your soil needs to be acidified, and apply the mixture carefully. It is best to start with a low dosage and repeat as necessary. It is always easier to add more than it is to remove anything from the soil. 

In my opinion, I think that this mixture would dilute much too quickly out of your soil, considering how much water hydrangeas require. This would require many applications of the vinegar mixture to continue the benefits. Consider the long-term effects, and decide if this is the right option for you. 

Share This Post
epsom salt hydrangeas

Shrubs

Is Epsom Salt Good or Bad For Hydrangeas?

Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, is popular among hydrangea growers for its supposed benefits, from boosting flowering to deterring pests. Gardening expert Madison Moulton explains the science behind these claims and whether Epsom salt is good or bad for hydrangeas.

baking soda hydrangeas

Shrubs

Is Baking Soda Good or Bad For Hydrangeas?

Baking soda is often recommended for hydrangeas for a range of uses, from changing flower color to disease control. But not all these recommendations have the science to back them up. Gardening expert Madison Moulton discusses whether baking soda is good or bad for your hydrangeas.

eggshells hydrangeas

Shrubs

Are Eggshells Good or Bad For Hydrangeas?

Thinking of using eggshells with your hydrangeas this season? Many gardeners swear by eggshells as a fertilizer component, but will they have a positive or negative impact on your beautiful hydrangeas? In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago examines this common garden practice and if it's one you should avoid this season.

how to revive a dying hydrangea

Shrubs

How to Revive a Dying Hydrangea Plant

If your hydrangea looks like it might be dying, there could be several different causes that contribute to its poor health. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago examines the most common reasons for a dying hydrangea, and how to revive it once it's started to die off.

Purple Blooming Fertilized Hydrangeas in Garden With Green Foliage

Shrubs

How and When to Fertilize Hydrangeas For Brighter Blooms

Not sure when or how to fertilize your hydrangeas? While the fertilization process is straightforward, there is some basic information that's important to know. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago walks through the best times of year to fertilize your hydrangeas, and how to do it by following a few simple steps!

Hydrangea plants covered in snow during a cold snap

Shrubs

Can Hydrangeas Survive a Cold Winter Freeze?

Did your hydrangea go through a nasty winter freeze this season? If so, you are likely wondering what kind of damage you'll be dealing with as spring approaches. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago examines what you can expect if your hydrangeas went through a significant bout of cold weather.