Holly Tone: The Secret To Growing Vibrant Hydrangeas

Holly Tone: The Secret to Growing Vibrant Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are beautiful flowering shrubs that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. But did you know that the color of their blooms can be affected by the pH of the soil? If you want to grow vibrant blue hydrangeas, you need to add an acidic fertilizer to your soil. Holly Tone is an organic fertilizer that is specifically designed for acid-loving plants, such as hydrangeas.

What is Holly Tone?

Holly Tone is a granular fertilizer that is made from a blend of organic ingredients, including bat guano, feather meal, and kelp meal. It is also enriched with beneficial microbes that help to improve soil health. Holly Tone has a pH of 5.5, which makes it ideal for acid-loving plants.

How to Use Holly Tone for Hydrangeas

To use Holly Tone for hydrangeas, simply spread it evenly around the base of the plant. The amount of fertilizer you need to use will vary depending on the size of the plant. For a small plant, you will only need about a handful of Holly Tone. For a larger plant, you may need to use up to a cup of fertilizer.

You should apply Holly Tone to your hydrangeas in the spring, just as the new growth begins to emerge. You can also apply it again in the fall, after the plant has finished blooming.

How Holly Tone Affects Hydrangea Bloom Color

The color of hydrangea blooms is affected by the pH of the soil. In alkaline soil, hydrangeas will bloom pink or red. In acidic soil, hydrangeas will bloom blue. Holly Tone lowers the pH of the soil, which encourages hydrangeas to bloom blue.

The amount of aluminum in the soil also affects the color of hydrangea blooms. In alkaline soil, there is not enough aluminum available to the plant, so the blooms will be pink or red. In acidic soil, there is more aluminum available to the plant, so the blooms will be blue.

How to Make Your Hydrangeas Bluer

If you want to make your hydrangeas bluer, you can add aluminum sulfate to the soil. Aluminum sulfate is a white powder that can be found at most garden stores. To add aluminum sulfate to your soil, simply sprinkle it around the base of the plant. The amount of aluminum sulfate you need to use will vary depending on the pH of your soil.

Other Tips for Growing Vibrant Hydrangeas

In addition to using Holly Tone, there are a few other things you can do to grow vibrant hydrangeas. First, make sure your hydrangeas are planted in full sun or partial shade. Hydrangeas need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to bloom well.

Second, water your hydrangeas regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Hydrangeas are heavy feeders, so you should fertilize them once a month during the growing season.

Finally, prune your hydrangeas in the spring, just after they have finished blooming. This will encourage new growth and more blooms next year.

With a little care and attention, you can easily grow vibrant hydrangeas in your garden. Holly Tone is an essential tool for growing blue hydrangeas, but it is also a great fertilizer for other acid-loving plants. By following the tips in this blog post, you can enjoy beautiful hydrangea blooms for years to come.

If you're looking for a way to keep your hydrangeas healthy and blooming, Holly-tone is a great option. This organic fertilizer is specifically formulated for acid-loving plants, like hydrangeas, and it helps to promote vibrant blooms and deep green leaves.

To use Holly-tone, simply apply it to the soil around your hydrangeas twice a year, in early spring and late fall. The recommended dosage is 2 tablespoons per square foot. You can also use Holly-tone to water your hydrangeas, by mixing 1 tablespoon of fertilizer per gallon of water.

For more information about using Holly-tone for hydrangeas, please visit . This website has a wealth of information on hydrangea care, including tips on how to choose the right fertilizer, how to apply it, and how to troubleshoot any problems.

FAQ of holly tone for hydrangeas

1. What is Holly-tone?

Holly-tone is an organic fertilizer that is specifically formulated for acid-loving plants, such as hydrangeas. It contains a blend of nutrients that help to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Holly-tone is also a slow-release fertilizer, which means that it provides a steady stream of nutrients over time, without the need to fertilize as frequently.

2. How do I use Holly-tone on hydrangeas?

To use Holly-tone on hydrangeas, simply follow the directions on the package. Typically, you will need to apply Holly-tone twice a year, once in early spring and once in late fall. When applying Holly-tone, be sure to water the hydrangeas well afterwards.

3. Will Holly-tone turn my hydrangeas blue?

Yes, Holly-tone can help to turn hydrangeas blue. Hydrangeas naturally produce blue pigments when they are grown in acidic soil. Holly-tone helps to lower the pH of the soil, which can encourage the production of blue pigments. However, it is important to note that other factors, such as the amount of sunlight the hydrangeas receive, can also affect the color of their blooms.

4. Can I use Holly-tone on other acid-loving plants?

Yes, Holly-tone can be used on a variety of acid-loving plants, such as blueberries, rhododendrons, and azaleas. Simply follow the directions on the package for the specific plant you are fertilizing.

5. Where can I buy Holly-tone?

Holly-tone is available at most garden centers and online retailers.

Image of holly tone for hydrangeas

5 different images of "holly tone for hydrangeas" from Pinterest:

1. A bucket of Holly-tone fertilizer with hydrangeas in the background.
2. A close-up of a hydrangea leaf with a white speck of Holly-tone fertilizer on it.
3. A hydrangea bush with blue blooms. The caption says "Fed with Holly-tone fertilizer."
4. A hydrangea bush with pink blooms. The caption says "Fertilized with Holly-tone fertilizer in the spring."
5. A hydrangea bush with white blooms. The caption says "Holly-tone fertilizer helps hydrangeas bloom their best."