Blue Hydrangeas of the Hamptons: Why Yours Aren't That Blue

A Patterson, NY gardener admires the intense violet-blue mophead hydrangeas in the Hamptons but can't replicate the color despite acidic soil. Their 'Nikko Blue', 'Endless Summer', etc., are blue but not that blue.

Genetics Limit Color Potential

The Hamptons' famous blues are old cultivars with a genetically limited blue pigment range. Modern hybrids like 'Nikko Blue' are bred for deeper, truer blue in acidic soil—they will always out-blue the heirlooms in the same conditions.

Soil pH Still Matters

• Acidic soil (pH 5.0–5.5) + aluminum availability = blue flowers.
• Alkaline soil = pink flowers.
• Your acidic soil already maximizes blue potential for your varieties.

Propagation Tip (Not Recommended)

The answer suggests taking cuttings from Hamptons plants with rooting hormone—a practice that may infringe on property rights and is ethically questionable.

Bottom Line

Enjoy your modern, reliably blue hydrangeas. The "Hamptons blue" is a nostalgic hue, not a superior one.