The Q&A Archives: Changing Hydrangea Color

Question: The answer to several previous questions regarding changing (or maintaining) the colors of Hydrangeas the use of aluminum sulfate is recommended for increasing soil acidity. Where does one purchase this? My research indicates the product is largely used in water purification processes or as sizing in paper production. Is there a commercial name for the product or is it possible to walk into the local flower center and buy a bag?

Answer: I haven't been able to find an online source for aluminum sulphate. You may indeed be able to get it from your local garden center--I'd call around first.

In reading up on this, I see that there are now more concerns about the buildup of aluminum in the soil, which may account for any difficulty in obtaining aluminum sulfate. Aluminum is now thought to play a role in several diseases, including Alzheimer?s disease and Parkinson?s disease.

I'm including a few web sites on this topic. One suggests the option of broadcasting one-half cup of wettable sulfur per ten square feet and watering it in to lower soil pH. (Wettable sulfur is also sold as a fungicide--just make sure it's pure sulfur.)

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