All About Hydrangeas – History, Meaning, Facts, Care & More

Origin of Hydrangeas:

About 40 to 50 million years ago, Hydrangeas were discovered in North America. But some historians would believe that they were cultivated first in Japan. In fact, it was a native flowering plant in Asia, particularly in Southern and Eastern Asia. And in the year 1736, this plant was first introduced in Europe by a colonist. This flower has actually more than 75 species growing around the world. Every culture has different uses of Hydrangeas, especially in western culture. Native Americans, for example, used this as a drug to increase the passing of urine as well as a reliever for muscle pain.

Here are some fun facts about Hydrangeas:

Its name came from the Greek word “hydro” which means water and “angeion” which means jug. That is why if you noticed, the shape of the head of the flower is spherical. Aside from its literal meaning, Hydrangeas has also hidden meanings and symbolism. In Japan where it was believed that this flower was originated, symbolizes apologies and gratitude. It was believed in Japanese legend that this flower was associated to gratitude and apology because a Japanese emperor gave Hydrangeas to the family of the girl he dearly loves as an apology for neglecting her in favor of his business. Because of that Japanese legend, this flower was associated with forgiveness and heartfelt emotion. It also means a deep understanding between people but does not have to be necessarily in a romantic way of understanding. However, this flower could also mean heartlessness. So be careful when you offer this flower to someone because it could mean another thing to them.

Aside from its scientific name Hydrangea Macrophylla, it is also commonly named as Hortensia which can be interchanged with Hydrangea. This flower can grow as tall as 1 foot to 10 feet. They either grow as climbing vines or shrubs. They mostly bloom in spring to fall. In fact, Hydrangeas has varieties of colors from pink to blue, and it usually depends on their acidity and the pH level of the soil. The most common color of Hydrangeas is blue. The more that your soil is acidic, the more your Hydrangeas will be pink in color. Now, if you want to change the acidity level of your soil that you used to plant the Hydrangeas, you can add organic materials such as coffee grounds. Just mix it with your soil and then put water in it. Do this repetitively until you will notice that your Hydrangeas will become blue in color. If you want to know more about how to change the acidity level of the soil, you can hire an online florist.

Care for Hydrangeas:

If you are planning to plant and take care of your Hydrangeas, here are some of the few things you need to know.

The ideal season to plant your Hydrangeas is in early spring to fall. When planting, make sure that the bloom and stems are protected enough from strong winds. Also, make sure you have good drainage. Avoid planting them beside a tree or any other big plants because there is a tendency that they will compete on the nutrients of the soil.

To plant them, you must dig at least 2 feet deep then place the Hydrangeas afterward. Then fill it with half with soil. Then put a minimal amount of water. After the water is fully drained, then you can fill the other half with soil again. Again, make sure you put and arrange them away from each other so that they won’t compete with each other. Ideally, they should be 3 to 10 feet apart.

However, if you just received a hand bouquet of Hydrangeas as a gift, and you want to preserve them. Here are the ways in which you can do that.

1. Prepare a clean vase where you can place the Hydrangeas. You can avail a ready-made vase from your local florist.
2. Make sure you measure first the stems next to the vase to know how much needs to be trimmed. So if you have longer hydrangeas, then it follows that you are going to have a longer vase for that matter.
3. Then remove any excess foliage that you can see so keep your Hydrangeas away from potentially harmful bacteria.
4. Then cut the stems with a 45-degree angle so that it will absorb more water and prevent the stems from clogging.
5. Then it’s time to put the Hydrangeas. Make sure you put the flowers one at a time to let them breathe inside the vase.
6. Put them away from the direct heat of the sun as this will only wilt the flowers faster.
7. The proper care doesn’t stop once you have put them inside the vase. To recondition them, re-cut the stems and change the water every other day or as needed.

Hydrangeas actually grow around the world form the Americas to Asia. They grow best during the early spring to Fall that is why this is the favorite flowers during weddings. But you have to be careful with this flower. Do not ever eat nor drink them. They actually have a poisonous substance. If you want to purchase flower bouquet of Hydrangeas, you may contact your local florist. They also offer varieties of flowers that you can choose from, plus they offer same day flower delivery to make sure it’s fresh when it reaches your doorstep.