Garden District Blushing Blues™ Hydrangea Bush

Reliable blooms and sturdy presentation

Blushing Blues™ Hydrangea is a standout reblooming variety from the Garden District Collection, developed by renowned American horticulturist Dr. Michael Dirr. Blooming from late spring through fall, it delivers a long season of color with thick, sturdy stems that hold the blooms upright through wind and rain for a clean, polished look in the landscape.

Even better, the flower color shifts beautifully with soil pH—blooms appear blue in more acidic soils and transition to purple and pink tones in higher pH soils. With strong resistance to mildew and leaf spot and the ability to bloom on both old and new wood, Blushing Blues™ offers dependable performance and vibrant color for gardeners who want beauty without the fuss.

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Plant or repot within 4 weeks of arrival. When planting your Blushing Blues™ Hydrangea, choose a location with partial sun for best growth—about 4–6 hours of sunlight per day is ideal. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and about the same depth. Place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface, then backfill with soil. Add a 2–3 inch layer of mulch extending 3 feet around the plant to conserve moisture, insulate roots, and suppress weeds.

2. Watering: Hydrangeas thrive with consistent moisture, particularly during their first growing season. Water your Blushing Blues™ regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Once established, you can cut back on watering, though during dry spells, an extra drink will keep the plant happy.

3. Pruning: Blushing Blues™ blooms on both old and new wood, meaning buds for next season form at the end of the current season, while new growth can produce additional blooms the same year. Pruning should be minimal and limited to removing dead or diseased growth. Prune in spring when new green growth begins to emerge.

4. Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth and flowering. Organic options such as compost or bone meal can also be beneficial. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage and fewer blooms. To influence bloom color, Espoma Soil Acidifier can be used to lower soil pH and encourage blue flowers, while Espoma Garden Lime can be used to raise pH and shift blooms toward pink.