If yuo want to try passable reds in acidic soil, Glyn Church in the book Hydrangeas recommended these: Ami Pasquier, Alpengluhen (aka Alpenglow), General Patton, Harry's Red and Red Emperor.

Note: growing hydrangeas in pots is easier than growing them in the ground when you have to regularly alter the soil pH.

This post was edited by luis_pr on Mon, Jul 15, 13 at 12:00

Thanks Luis!! I've tried a couple in huge pots and they just seem to sit there. I just want toooooo many to just do pots though. Thanks for the info. I will def look them up!!

My Merritt stays pink. Of course maybe that is due to difference in our soil types and ph. I want a blue hydrangea. Even the ones in the neighborhood that are "blue" aren't really. They are something on the purplish side. While I have the opposite issue of yours, I'm not willing to argue with Mother Nature. If she says its pink, then it just is :)

Hi mzdee! I had read somewhere that Merritt supreme stayed pink or purple and was hoping someone on here would say the same and had others be blue. I'm one that will try to change mother natures decision, in my yard at least,, :))

try using a fertilizer with a high middle # like 10-30-10. That will help to get pink or purple

Hmmmmmmm that's the first I've heard that hokierusty! Have you tried it?Thanks!!

yes that chemically inhibts alum. absorbtion. It is alum. that makes the flowers blue, acidity promotes the absorbtion of alum

Cool!! I will def do that!! Thanks a bunch!!!