Hydrangea Flowers

Hydrangea Flowers Delivered In Uk

Name : Hydrangea Flowers
Latin Name : Genus: Hydrangea, (Hydrangea quercifolia )
Hydrangea Description

Hydrangea is a genus comprising of about 70–75 species of flowering plants from the family Hydrangeaceae and are native to southern and eastern Asia (China, Japan, Korea, the Himalayas, and Indonesia) and North and South America. Hydrangeas were first discovered in Japan and their name comes from the Greek words “hydor,” meaning water, and “angos,” meaning jar or vessel. This translates to “water vessel” referring to the hydrangea’s cup-shaped flower and the plant’s need for plenty of water.

Common names for this flower include Hydrangea, Hortensia and Grandmother's old-time flower.

Most Hydrangea varieties are shrubs about 1-3 m tall, while some are small trees, and others are lianas that reach up to a height of 30 metres by climbing up trees.The lacy, star-shaped Hydrangea flowers are packed closely together in a pompom and are available from early spring to late autumn. Hydrangea flower head has tiny fertile flowers in the centre surrounded by large, showy sterile flowers which are actually modified bracts.

Hydrangeas are available in colours ranging from white to red to blue to pink and purple. An interesting thing to note is that their colour not only depends on the variety but also on the pH of the soil. Acidic soils produce blue flowers, neutral soils result in very pale cream petals, whereas alkaline soils results in pink or purple Hydrangeas. Hydrangea flower heads also differ in their form and may be mounded, globular, flat, or spiked depending on the variety.

There are three types of flower blooms in Hydrangea:

Mopheads are the most common type and have globe shaped flower clusters.
Panicle flower heads are long, somewhat cone-shaped particularly in Oakleaf Hydrangeas.
Lacecaps are flattened clusters of tiny, immature buds surrounded by 4 to 5 petal flowers.
Hydrangeas can easily be propagated with cuttings obtained from the ends of non-flowering shoots with 2-3 pairs of leaves, from April to August. Hydrangeas prefer full sun or partial shade and a well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter or humus. Avoid planting these plants in hot, dry sites. If regularly watered, Hydrangeas can grow in full sun but they bloom more freely in partial shade. Hydrangeas need plenty of water and should be watered thoroughly once per week or so. Hydrangeas are known to be moderately toxic if eaten, as all parts of the plant contain cyanogenic glycosides.

Hydrangeas look great in borders and as foundation plantings. They work equally well in containers as seasonal or holiday potted plants. Oakleaf hydrangea is a good shrub variety for planting among wooded sections and in shrub borders.

The charming hydrangeas add texture and enduring grace to any flower arrangement. Hydrangea’s vase life improves with its maturity and a fully grown flower that feels hard and solid stays fresh for up to three to four weeks. Hydrangeas can also be dried easily and used in dry flower arrangements. Their colour fades slightly upon drying but the dried flowers can last between 9 months to a whole year.

Popular varieties of Hydrangea include Hydrangea quercifolia or the Oakleaf Hydrangea; Hydrangea Annabelle with white, globular flower heads, and Lacecap hydrangeas, such as Blue Wave, with lacy flowers in flat, showy heads.

Hydrangea Meaning

The heart warming Hydrangea symbolizes Sincerely Heartfelt Emotions. It also expresses Gratitude for Being Understood. Hydrangea also has negative meanings attached to it and symbolizes Frigidity, Vanity, Boastfulness and Heartlessness.

This charming flower is more commonly associated with all things positive like Spring, Summer, Warm Weather, Happiness and Romance.

Hydrangeas are the fourth wedding anniversary flower and symbolize Lush Beauty. This enigmatic flower has a special day dedicated to it as well, and January 5th is celebrated as Hydrangea Day.

Blue Hydrangeas give the feeling of being Fresh, Attractive and Cool
Pink and Red Hydrangeas are associated with Happiness, Romance and Passion.

Hydrangea Mythology

In Korea a herbal tea called sugukcha or ilsulcha is made with Hydrangea serrata whereas in Japan, another herbal tea called ama-cha, meaning sweet tea, is a made from Hydrangea serrata. Ama-cha is mainly used for kan-butsu-e or the Buddha bathing ceremony on Buddha's birthday which is celebrated on April 8th in Japan. The sweet Ama-cha is poured over a statue of Buddha in the ceremony and served to the people attending the ceremony. According to legend, nine dragons poured Amrita over Buddha on the day he was born; ama-cha is substituted for Amrita in the ceremony.

According to legend, “hydra” comes from the multi-headed beast in Greek mythology and if you observe the female flower parts closely the stigma has three heads; hence the name Hydrangea.