Hydrangeas turn deep purple tone by adding kitchen leftover to soil

Hydrangeas thrive in soil that has pH levels between 5.0 and 6.0 (Image: Getty) Hydrangea blooms come in a rainbow of shades, ranging from pastel pink to royal red, but some varieties can change their tone over time. Gardeners have been flocking to the internet to learn  how to deadhead hydrangea plants  and  alter the shade of the blooms over time  since time immemorial. Several sites state that hydrangeas blueing agents like aluminum sulfate are the most commonly used to obtain flowers of a purplish shade, but their price point can be a deterrent.  Fortunately, there are cheaper options for changing the pH levels of soil over time, and most will already be in your kitchen.  To make hydrangea flowers turn purple, gardeners need to bring the pH levels of their soil to a slightly acidic level between 5.0 and 6.0. Altering the pH levels of your soil could turn your hydrangeas a deep purple tone (Image: Getty) In some areas of the United Kingdom, where soils have pH levels as low as 4.0, the addition of elements like eggshells can help hydrangea blooms turn purple. Experts at all about Gardening explain: ‘The calcium loaded into these eggshells can interfere with the pH of your garden soil.   ‘This is not detrimental to the overhealth health of your hydrangea, but it could alter the pH enough to change the colour of your bigleaf hydrangea flowers.’   Gardening experts at Brilliant Gardener stress that the pH of the soil can be changed by eggshell only if the soil is acidic, however, measuring pH beforehand is crucial. Eggshells could help neutralise the pH levels of soil (Image: Getty) ‘The eggshell powder when added to acidic soil results in the soil becoming neutral,” note the gardening enthusiasts. “When the eggshell powder is added to the soil it makes the soil neutral and the colour of flowers such as hydrangea turn purple.’   Elsewhere on the website, the experts note: ‘Eggshells should always be used in powder form for the best results.’ This is because they decompose more easily when powdered, as acidic soil will speed up the process of breaking down the eggshells. PH levels of soil can be tested at any time, but results may be misleading if a test is carried out shortly after new matter has been added to the ground. Anyone can their soil pH using a DIY kit, which is widely available at garden centers for a relatively affordable price.  for even more accurate results, however, gardeners can send a soil sample to a laboratory for a detailed breakdown of their soil pH composition. It should also be noted that hydrangeas thrive in evenly moist soil, with enough sunlight, and protected from harsh winds. Pruning the plants adequately is equally critical for ensuring they grow back in the future.