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Here’s Why Your Hydrangeas Turn Green

A closeup shot of light green hydrangea blooms.
WirestockCreators/Shutterstock.com

Hydrangeas have long been beloved for their vibrant blooms painting gardens in welcoming colors. But have you noticed your once-lavish hydrangea blooms mysteriously turning green?

There are a few reasons why hydrangea blooms turn green, but thankfully, none of them are life threatening when properly addressed.

This botanical chameleon act could be a natural coloration due to the age of the bloom, a nutrient issue in the soil, inadequate lighting, or environmental changes. Failing to address lighting and nutrition issues can lead to a sickly hydrangea, but in most cases, your plant can survive with green blooms.

Let’s dive a little deeper into these possible culprits so you can get your hydrangea back to its vibrant blues, pinks, and purples.

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Let’s talk about the age of the bloom. Some hydrangea blooms naturally turn from blue or pink to green after they age. In this case, there isn’t anything wrong with your hydrangea. It’s simply going through a normal aging process.

However, you should pay attention to your hydrangea because sometimes they get trapped in a green blooming stage. This means they bloom green flowers over and over again instead of the normal pink, blue, or purple. They may correct themselves on their own or it may be a sign of another issue.

In cases of nutrient imbalances, the secret behind green blooms usually lies in the soil’s acidity. Hydrangea colors are heavily influenced by the pH level of the soil they grow in. Consider working with a slightly acidic mix of soil to help increase the necessary nutrients for your blossoming plant.

If you want to ensure your hydrangea stays healthy, it’s worthwhile to invest in a soil test every few years. This can help you determine the pH of the soil and identify any nutrients that are missing.

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Lighting also plays a crucial role in the health and vibrancy of your hydrangea. If a hydrangea isn’t able to get the amount of sunlight it needs, it won’t create the vibrant hydrangea blooms you seek.

Pay attention to your hydrangea throughout the season to see how much light it gets throughout the day. While you don’t want it to get so much light that your hydrangea blooms turn brown, you do want it to get a healthy few hours of light.

Lastly, environmental factors play a key role. Excessive humidity and high temperatures can trigger green blooms. If this is the case, your hydrangea should correct itself during seasons of better weather.

Now that you know the delightful secret behind your hydrangeas’ transformation, you can cherish the dynamic nature of these stunning blooms. Their color-changing ability is a testament to the wonders of nature and a clear reminder of how beauty can be found in the unexpected.

Abbey Ryan Abbey Ryan
Abbey Ryan is a storyteller, preferably of stories in written form. Across the 5 years of her professional writing career, her work has been featured in The Chicago Tribune, Amazon, The Medical News Today, and more. When she's not writing (which is rare), she's likely traveling, painting, or on the hunt for a good snack. Read Full Bio »
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