If a landscape architect opts for the following changes what result will become visible in the blooms? (2 points) Blue (basic/Alkaline) Pink (Acidic) Some bushes in a garden are already blue, but some have faded to light purple and even pink on one side. The landscaper adds lime (calcium hydroxide/oxide compounds) to the soil. Which color will result in the flowerbed? All the hydrangeas in a certain flowerbed are blue and the landscaper's apprentice adds sulfur and aluminum sulfate to the soil by mistake, then waters heavily. What happens to the color?

Answer 1

The color of hydrangea blooms is influenced by the pH level of the soil. In basic (alkaline) soils, hydrangeas tend to produce blue flowers, while in acidic soils, they tend to produce pink flowers.

1. Scenario with Lime Added: When the landscape architect adds lime (calcium hydroxide/oxide compounds) to the soil, this raises the pH level, making the soil more alkaline. As a result, the blue hydrangeas will likely maintain their blue hue, while the fading pink and light purple blooms may shift towards a more vibrant blue as the soil becomes more alkaline.

2. Scenario with Sulfur and Aluminum Sulfate Added: When the apprentice mistakenly adds sulfur and aluminum sulfate, this lowers the pH of the soil, making it more acidic. Consequently, the blue hydrangeas will likely change color to pink as the soil becomes more acidic and the aluminum available to the plants increases, contributing to the pink coloration.

In summary:

• Adding lime makes blooms more blue.
• Adding sulfur and aluminum sulfate makes blooms more pink.