What is needed to have blue flowers for your macrophylia hydrangeas? An acidic (ph 4.5-6.0) soil will result in a blue flower. The acidic ph releases aluminum in the soil which makes the blue flower. If color is purple to pink or red add aluminum silicate per instructions on the container to drive the ph down. Pine needles around the plant will also help lower the ph. If you want pink or red instead of blue add lime to the soil. this will move the ph up to basic and retard the aluminum from getting into the plant.