A Guide to Flowers That Change Colors
Some flowers possess the fascinating ability to change color over time, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving display in your garden. Whether due to environmental factors, aging, or unique genetic traits, these flowers can transform in appearance, adding intrigue and beauty to your floral arrangements. Here’s a Florist guide to flowers that change color and the science behind their transformations.
1. Hydrangeas
How They Change Color:
Hydrangeas are well-known for their ability to change colors, primarily influenced by the pH of the soil. In acidic soil, hydrangeas often produce blue flowers, while in alkaline soil, they tend to turn pink or even purple.
Why They Change Color:
The change occurs because of the availability of aluminum ions in the soil. Acidic soils allow more aluminum to be absorbed by the plant, resulting in blue flowers, while alkaline soils prevent this, leading to pink or red blooms.
How to Control Color Change:
To make hydrangeas blue: Add aluminum sulfate or acidify the soil.
To make hydrangeas pink: Use lime or increase soil pH with alkaline substances.
2. Chrysanthemums (Mums)
How They Change Color:
Chrysanthemums, especially the hybrid varieties, are known for changing color as they mature. Some varieties may start with one color and slowly shift to another, usually due to changes in temperature or light.
Why They Change Color:
Temperature fluctuations and seasonal changes can alter the pigments in chrysanthemum petals, especially the anthocyanins responsible for color. In cooler weather, some mums will develop richer tones or shift hues.
How to Encourage Color Changes:
Cooler temperatures tend to bring out more vibrant reds, purples, and oranges in chrysanthemums.
Avoid excessive heat, as this can prevent color changes.
3. Tulips
How They Change Color:
Some species of tulips, like the Tulipa gesneriana, are known for changing color over time. Many tulips begin with a deep, vibrant color that can gradually lighten or shift in hue as the flower matures.
Why They Change Color:
The process is due to the breakdown of anthocyanin pigments, which results in a faded or altered color. This process is more common in some hybrid varieties, where the genetics cause the color to shift as the flower ages.
How to Encourage Color Changes:
Tulips will naturally change color as they age, but choosing varieties known for this trait can help.
Plant varieties with multicolored or mixed blooms for a stunning display that changes as they grow.
4. Morning Glories
How They Change Color:
Morning glories, known for their vibrant blooms, often start as one color (commonly blue or purple) and gradually change throughout the day. In some species, the color will deepen or shift as the flower ages, especially in varieties like the "Heavenly Blue" morning glory.
Why They Change Color:
The flowers of morning glories open in the morning and may shift in color as they mature. The color changes are due to a combination of natural aging processes and the way the plant reacts to light.
How to Encourage Color Changes:
Morning glories naturally change color throughout their life cycle, so providing the right amount of sunlight and water will keep the flowers vibrant.
Choose varieties with unique color-changing traits, like those with multicolored blooms.
5. Roses
How They Change Color:
Certain types of roses, such as "Double Delight" and "Moonstone," can shift color depending on environmental conditions. These roses may start with a specific color and gradually change as they open or with age.
Why They Change Color:
The main reason roses change color is due to temperature and light exposure. For example, a rose might start as a creamy white and then develop a red or pink tint as it matures, especially in varieties with multiple layers of petals.
How to Encourage Color Changes:
Adjust exposure to sunlight: Some roses bloom brighter or change hue when exposed to more sunlight.
Plant in an area with varying temperatures to encourage subtle shifts in color.
6. African Violets
How They Change Color:
African violets can experience color changes due to the environment or over time. The flower colors can range from deep purple to shades of pink, blue, or white, and in some cases, a flower may start as one color and fade to another as it ages.
Why They Change Color:
Temperature and light levels can affect the pigments in African violet flowers, altering the appearance of their colors. Additionally, the age of the flower itself can cause it to fade or deepen in hue.
How to Encourage Color Changes:
Keep African violets in consistent light to prevent fading.
Adjust watering and feeding to keep plants healthy, as stressed plants may exhibit color changes due to their condition.
7. Hydrangea-like "Color-Changing" Orchids
How They Change Color:
Some orchids, like the Phalaenopsis (moth orchid), are said to change color, especially under varying environmental conditions such as changes in light, humidity, and temperature.
Why They Change Color:
The change in color is typically due to temperature fluctuations, which affect pigment production in the flower. This can cause some orchids to exhibit lighter or darker shades of their original color.
How to Encourage Color Changes:
Temperature control is key: Keep orchids in an environment with stable temperature conditions, as too much fluctuation can cause color shifts.
Orchids also respond well to indirect sunlight, which can impact how their flowers develop over time.
8. Lilies
How They Change Color:
Some lilies, like the "Casa Blanca" or "Stargazer" varieties, change color as they mature. The blooms might start as a lighter shade and darken as they age, or the flower can shift color due to temperature and environmental changes.
Why They Change Color:
Lilies are sensitive to changes in temperature, humidity, and light exposure, which can affect the pigments in their petals. The result is often a deepening or shifting of color over time.
How to Encourage Color Changes:
Plant lilies in areas with fluctuating temperatures to encourage natural color shifts.
Ensure they receive plenty of sunlight during the blooming period to maximize color intensity.
Flowers that change colors add a fascinating and ever-evolving element to your garden or floral arrangements. Whether the transformation is caused by genetics, environmental factors, or aging, the beauty of watching flowers transition is a unique and rewarding experience. Experiment with different varieties, and you’ll enjoy a stunning display of color all season long!
