HYDRANGEA CONTINUED To turn your hydrangeas blue, we recommend these steps: 1. Plant your hydrangeas in a lime-free medium, and use a lowphosphorus fertilizer with lots of potassium (i.e., 25-5-30). 2. Drench with aluminum sulfate immediately after planting. A solution of ½ oz (1 Tbsp) per gallon is a good start. Be sure the plants are well-watered before applying the aluminum sulfate to prevent burning of the roots. Drench again in 10 - 14 days, then test the soil pH. If your soil pH is greater than 5.6 you will need to drench again. 3. Alternatively, you may apply a controlled-release form of aluminum sulfate. Products such as Blue Max™ or BlueKnight® will release aluminum sulfate over a three-month period. Refer to the label for directions. LET'S DANCE® RHYTHMIC BLUE ™ Hydrangeas planted in gardens with higher pH levels will require treatment by the homeowner to maintain the blue color. In areas with highly alkaline soil, or little aluminum, it may be best for the homeowner to maintain the hydrangea in a decorative pot where soil conditions are easier to control. Some varieties shift to blue more easily than others. Here are the varieties which we have found to produce blue flowers more easily than others: * Cityline® Berlin * Cityline® Mars * Cityline® Venice * Let's Dance® Blue Jangles®* * Let's Dance® Rave®* * Let's Dance® Rhythmic Blue™* * Let's Dance® Starlight* * Tiny Tuff Stuff ™* * Tuff Stuff ™* *Denotes reblooming varieties. The chameleon-like nature of H. macrophylla and H. serrata is one of the more intriguing phenomena in the garden. The rarity of (naturally) blue flowers is also an irresistible draw to gardeners. The result is reliably strong demand for hydrangeas, particularly blue ones. We hope that this information is helpful to you as you plan your production and sales. TINY TUFF STUFF ™ Premium 2 Gallon By Chris Adler and Jane Beggs-Joles The rates and chemicals listed are based on our southeast Michigan growing conditions, and are not recommended for nationwide application. Please adjust the rates and spray applications to your location and facility. 89