Hydrangea Care: Soil‑pH Tricks and Drought‑Resistant Alternatives for Summer Gardens

Gardeners can influence hydrangea flower colour by adjusting soil acidity. Adding aluminium sulfate or using a low‑phosphate, high‑potassium fertiliser encourages a vivid blue bloom, especially when the treatment starts before buds appear.

Hydrangeas, however, are water‑intensive and may wilt during hot, dry periods. To maintain colour and health, regular irrigation is essential. For gardeners seeking lower‑maintenance options, seven drought‑tolerant perennials—such as Monarda (zavinutka), Třapatka, and Californian lilac—provide long‑lasting summer colour and attract pollinators while requiring far less watering than hydrangeas.