6 Facts You Didn't Know about Hydrangeas

FREE next day Flower Delivery
Weekend deliveries available
Same Day Delivery: order before 2pm

next day flower deliveryHydrangeas are one of the most popular flowers in the UK. They are grown in gardens across the country and included in many floral arrangements. Florists often use them in flower arrangements because they are so popular. But there is more to hydrangeas than their beautiful look. They are really interesting flowers, and we have gathered together some fun facts that you might not know about this popular flower.
 
1. Meaning of the word
The word hydrangea comes from the Greek, and means ‘water vessel’. Nope, we don’t mean a water vessel like a cup, which is why they don’t look like a cup. Instead, the name refers to the hydrangeas need and ability to absorb huge amounts of water for it to thrive. These are flowers that do need a lot of water to keep healthy, so just bear that in mind if you add it to your next flower delivery.
 
2. Where they come from
Being so popular in the UK, it would make sense that these flowers are from the European region, but actually, they are native to Asia and are massively popular across Japan, Korea and China. In fact, they are such an important part of Asian culture that hydrangeas have been referred to in Japanese communications since 710AD. That is quite a long history they have. Plus, they are used in a range of Buddhist ceremonies, such as decorating Buddhist statues and temples during religious festivals. In Japan, there is even a hydrangea festival in June.

Alongside Asia, they are also native to the Americas, and grow abundantly in North American forests, bringing a beautiful display of colour and energy to the forest floor.
 
online flower shop3. Meaning and symbolism
Depending on who you ask, hydrangeas can either be a symbol of love and respect or one of boastfulness and vanity. In Japan, for example, blue hydrangeas are associated with apologies, due in part to a folk legend where an Emperor gave blue hydrangeas to a woman to apologise for neglecting her. Whereas in English Victorian culture, hydrangeas were sent as a symbol of boasting or were sent as an insult. As with lots of flowers, the colour can change the meaning, though. Pink is used to express love, blue shows forgiveness, and purple is sent when you want to know someone better. If you want to send a message with hydrangeas, why not have a chat with your florist to see which ones you should send.
 
4. They are colour changers
Unlike other plants, hydrangeas have been known to change colour, and this is all down to the composition of the soil they are grown in. Even slight changes in the acidity of the soil can lead to hydrangeas changing colours, which can be slightly confusing the first time you grow them. There is a whole science behind it, but as a quick guide, acidic soil will result in blue or purple flowers, whereas alkaline soil will produce pink or red.
 
5. They are highly toxic if eaten
These are not ones to eat or to have around the home if you have pets. They are highly toxic to people and animals if ingested, so definitely enjoy with your eyes only.
 
6. There are over 70 species
For the plant nerds out there, you might be interested to know that there are over 70 identified species of hydrangeas and probably more to be discovered. They come in all different shapes and sizes, so there is a hydrangea breed for everyone out there. Check in with your local flower shop to find yours.