Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are best known as large and showy ornamental plants and cut flowers. People are naturally drawn to the spectacular flowers which can grow very big over decades in the gardens of older homes. Hydrangea have unique scientific abilities, have taken on several cultural meanings, and are popular in many types of floral designs. That’s why hydrangea are a flower-shop staple at Kremp Florist and a favorite flower of many.

How Hydrangeas Got Their Name

The scientific name for this flower is Hydrangea, from the greek word “hydria” that means “water vessel”. The name came from the hydrangea’s cup-shaped seed capsules found at the center of the flower; each one resembles a tiny water vessel. And this name could not be more appropriate for the water-loving flower that can quickly dehydrate once cut.

The plant is also called by its earlier Latin name, Hortensia. Hortensia came from the name Hortense, as in the French astronomer and mathematician Nicole-Reine Hortense Lepaute. The scientist was commonly known as Hortense Lepaute, and was one of the most educated and intelligent women of her time. Apparently, a Japanese rose variety was also named for this pioneer of astronomy.

The Scientific Side of Hydrangeas

There are about 70-75 species of the hydrangea plant, and there is wide variation between their flowers. Some plants are considered shrubs that grow from 1-3 meters tall (that’s about 3-9 feet). Other varieties, however, are tall and tree-like and some can climb onto nearby trees to grow nearly 100 feet tall. The leaves are varied too; some are known as big leaf hydrangea, and others have petite foliage. The hydrangea flowers themselves can vary in size, however plants sold in nurseries have mostly been bred to produce the large and showy flowers customers love.

Hydrangeas have the unique ability to change the color of their flowers when exposed to different pH levels in their soil. Acidic soil with a pH below 7 will have available aluminium ions that can transfer to the hydrangea and cause the flowers to turn blue or purple. On the other hand, if hydrangea encounter alkaline soil that has a pH above 7, the lack of aluminum ions will produce pink or red flowers. Many gardeners have tried to influence their hydrangea color by adding organic materials to their gardens such as coffee grounds, citrus peels, or eggshells to affect the soil’s pH.

Hydrangea plants are native to north, central, and south america, and eastern Asia. They are most commonly found in China, Korea, and Japan, where their flowers bloom in early spring and continue through late autumn.

The Useful Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are most commonly used as decorative plants and cut flowers that beautify homes and gardens. However, people who practice herbal medicine have also noted that the plant’s roots and rhizomes can be used in remedies for urinary tract conditions. The variety Hydrangea serrata was also used to make ama-cha sweet tea. The tea is used in Buddhist ceremonies where it is poured over a statue of the Buddha on his birthday and served to the ceremony’s attendees. Many sources warn, though, that Hydrangea is mildly toxic and it is not recommended for consumption.

Fresh Hydrangea Flower Arrangements

Hydrangeas feature a beautiful, round cluster of flowers atop their stems that make you just want to touch them. The flower’s large size and beautiful color is impressive to all. This classic flower has the meaning of gratitude, grace, beauty, and abundance, so they work perfectly in thank-you gifts or gifts of friendship. You will most commonly find hydrangeas in white, blue, and green at Kremp Florist year-round.

Hydrangeas require a lot of water to remain hydrated and perky, which makes them a little tricky to care for as a cut flower. The blooms have the ability to take in water with their petals, but that also means that warmth can cause them to lose water from the large surface area of their flower, too. Fresh cut hydrangeas will have the longest lifespan when they are designed in a vase of water, rather than into floral foam or a wrapped bouquet, because they will have the greatest access to water flowing up their stem. Trust Kremp Florist to pair stunning hydrangea with other premium flowers like roses, lilies, stock, snapdragons, and freesia.