Hydrangeas are very beautiful flowers that have a unique characteristic: the color of this flower depends on the soil that contains it. The pH exerts important influences on plants in general, acidity is even linked to soil productivity. Very acidic soils may not produce well, which is why it is customary for farmers to burn of plantations to neutralize the pH of the soil, this is possible due to the fact that the ash produced is alkaline.
But with regard to hydrangeas, the pH produces the following changes: those planted in alkaline soils, with high pH, produce pink colored flowers, as those found in acidic soil, with lower pH, are responsible for the flowers blue.
Soil pH varies according to the region in which it is located, limestone-rich regions correspond to alkaline soils (pH ≥ 7). Clay soils from humid regions such as riverbanks and swamps are acidic (pH ≤ 7).
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By Líria Alves
Graduated in Chemistry
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Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
SOUZA, Líria Alves de. "The pH in the coloring of hydrangeas"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/quimica/o-ph-na-coloracao-das-hortensias.htm. Accessed on June 28, 2021.
