6 Breathtaking Blue Hydrangea Shrubs to Grow

Blue is a favorite color for flowers in the garden. Try these blue hydrangea shrubs for their large blooms and eye-catching color. Blue hydrangeas are the perfect gift to give when you need to apologize or when you are apologizing. They symbolize sadness and regret.

Keeping Blue Hydrangeas Blue

In basic neutral soil, large-leaf hydrangeas will produce pink flowers, while in acidic soil, blue flowers are produced. So if your soil has a neutral or high pH, you should treat the soil around your blue hydrangeas with aluminum sulfate to keep that blue color.

While there are many home remedies for acidifying soil, such as mulching with pine needles and coffee grounds or citrus peels, the best and most effective way is to purchase a ready-made soil acidifier product from your local garden center. These products will not only do the trick, but will also have long-lasting effects. They contain both acidifiers and aluminum, which are also essential for producing blue hydrangeas. Additionally, some of these acidifiers also include additional plant nutrients to support your plant’s overall health. Plan to add acidifiers in the spring before buds begin to open, and again in late fall.

1. Nico Blue Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Nico Blue’,

This large-leaved hydrangea produces large mophead blooms that appear blue or pink, depending on your soil pH. The sturdy stems ensure your flowers don’t dry out, and the peeling bark adds fall and winter interest. It’s a good choice for a specimen plant in your landscape

2. Let’s Dance Rhythmic Blue

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘SMHMES14’,

Confused about when to prune your hydrangeas? You’re in luck – it doesn’t need pruning at all! And, even better, it was bred to handle cold Midwestern winters. When planted in acidic soil, you’ll be rewarded with months of deep blue blooms.

3. Blue Enchantress

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Monmar’,

You’ll be mesmerized by the beauty of the blooms, which are great for bouquets and arrangements — but don’t miss the stunning deep ruby-red stems. The blooms gradually fade to a creamy green, either blue or pink (when planted in alkaline soil).

4. Coastal Serenade Cape Cod

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘HMUPSI’,

This reblooming, two-toned blue hydrangea has curb appeal in spades. It prefers a spot with morning sun and can handle partial shade. Plant a group of these shrubs together for a beautiful border.

5. Let's Dance Sky View

Hydrangea macrophylla × serrata 'SMNHSME',

This sky blue hydrangea is a new introduction for 2023. The flowers bloom with pale green centers before maturing to a solid blue. This is a very reliable choice for gardeners who have had trouble getting hydrangeas to bloom in the past.

6. Tough Stuff Ah-Ha

Hydrangea serrata 'SMNHSDD',

This baby blue mountain hydrangea is a tough choice for gardeners in cold growing zones. It blooms all season long on a tree that requires it, so sit back and enjoy the show. We love the delicate water lily-like shape of the flower petals.

Most planted hydrangeas, whether blue, white, or pink, are very hardy and will survive the winter. However, some hydrangeas that have been gifted and replanted in pots may not do well. Make sure the hydrangea you choose for your garden is suited to your climate. Hydrangeas will need protection during the very cold, winter months.

Adding vinegar to the soil around hydrangeas may work to turn them blue, but it will take longer for them to change color, and the blue color will be short-lived. Also, vinegar will attract harmful insects to your garden while also repelling beneficial insects, so using vinegar to turn hydrangeas blue is not recommended.

Ticker

Blue is a favorite color for Hydrangea flowers in the garden

6 Breathtaking Blue Hydrangea Shrubs to Grow

Keeping Blue Hydrangeas Blue