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Clusters of vivid blue and purple hydrangea flowers covered in morning dew, set against a soft, blurred background of additional hydrangeas.

All About Hydrangeas

A gorgeous array of wild pink, purple and blue hydrangea flowers

About Hydrangeas

Notable for their big, showy blooms, hydrangeas are one of the most beautiful flowers in the world. In spring and summer, their colorful large pom-pom-like flowerheads can be seen in gardens and florist shops across the country. An ornamental bloom that has been around for a very long time, hydrangeas evoke an old-fashioned charm. Their immense florets make them great cut flowers and popular in weddings and everyday bouquets. With over 75 species and numerous varieties, the gorgeous hydrangea comes in various shapes, sizes, and colors such as blue, pink, red, purple, maroon, green, and white.

Characteristics of Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are most commonly grown as shrubs, but they can also grow as trees or vines reaching nearly 100 feet tall. Their beautiful big blooms are made up of clusters of flowers called a "corymb," which has three general forms: mophead, lace cap, and panicle. Mophead blooms have the domed, pom-pom shape most of us are familiar with. Lacecap hydrangeas have clusters of smaller flowers surrounded by larger blooms, and Panicle hydrangeas have cone-shaped flower clusters. The most widely known variety of hydrangea is called "bigleaf hydrangea," which has the lush, bountiful, rotund blooms that grace and enchant gardens worldwide.

Clusters of bright blue and white hydrangea flowers bloom amidst lush green foliage.

Lacecaps

A large, round cluster of pale purple and pink hydrangea flowers blooms atop green leaves, set against a backdrop of dense, dark green foliage.

Mopheads

Pink and white hydrangea blooms on a green stem in a garden, surrounded by blurred greenery and other foliage.

Panicles

History & Origins of Hydrangea

"Hydrangea" comes from the combination of two Greek words, "hydros," meaning water, and "angeion," meaning vessel, which loosely correlates to "water vessel." It's believed this name came about due to hydrangeas needing a lot of water to thrive, but it could also refer to the shape of their seed pods which resemble a water pitcher. In some countries, Hydrangeas go by the name "hortensia." They are native to Asia and the Americas but were first cultivated in Japan. In 1736, an American colonist introduced hydrangeas to Europe, where they have since become immensely popular.

Hydrangea Fun Facts

  • The flower color of bigleaf hydrangeas can be changed based on soil acidity.
  • Except for the white flowers - these never change color.
  • The hydrangea is so beloved it has its very own day - Hydrangea Day is January 5th.
  • Hydrangea leaves and petals are toxic so keep kiddies and pets away from them.
  • The root and bark of hydrangea shrubs are not toxic and have been used in healing rituals by Native Americans.
  • Hydrangeas are relatively easy to grow - they just need watering and pruning.
  • Hydrangea blooms don't have petals - they are actually sepals, which are leaves that protect the flower bud.

Hydrangea Symbolism & Meaning

The symbolism of hydrangea flowers is dependent on factors such as color, culture, and time period. In Japan, hydrangeas symbolize deep-felt apology and gratitude. In Victorian times, hydrangeas had a negative connotation of boastfulness and arrogance. This meaning likely came about due to the abundance of flowers the hydrangea plant produces yet yields very few seeds. In the U.S., hydrangeas symbolize heartfelt emotion and are often given for the fourth anniversary. Different colored hydrangeas also carry their own symbolism:

Bright pink hydrangea flowers in full bloom, clustered together with rich green leaves in a garden setting.

Pink Hydrangeas

Love, gratitude, sincerity, and heartfelt emotion

Bright blue hydrangea blossoms tightly clustered, blooming amidst green leaves in a garden setting. The background displays soil, leafy plants, and stems, suggesting an outdoor environment.

Blue Hydrangeas

Frigidity, regret, and forgiveness

Purple and blue hydrangea flowers bloom vibrantly with lush green leaves surrounding them, situated amongst a small patch of green foliage and on a bed of gray stone pebbles.

Purple Hydrangeas

Abundance, elegance, and a wish for deeper understanding

Large white hydrangea flower clusters bloom surrounded by green leaves, creating a lush garden scene.

White Hydrangeas

Boasting and bragging as well as grace and purity

A cluster of light green hydrangea blooms in full blossom among vibrant green leaves in an outdoor garden setting.

Green Hydrangeas

Renewal, prosperity, and good fortune

A pair of blue hydrangea blooms, sharing a clear mug filled with water

Hydrangea Occasions

Cut hydrangeas have a long vase life. Place a few stems with bountiful blooms in a vase for an instant pick-me-up and touch of charming décor.

If you need to send an apology to someone, the hydrangea is the perfect flower for doing so, especially blue hydrangea.

Send purple hydrangeas to convey a deep understanding to someone who could use your support and to let them know you are thinking of them and are there for them.

Representing gratitude and sincerity, pink hydrangeas make the perfect gift to give a friend for their birthday or "just because."

To show heartfelt emotion and how much you love your partner, present them with pink or red hydrangeas as a sincere, romantic gesture.

A popular bloom in bouquets, weddings, special events, and more, shop gorgeous flower arrangements featuring hydrangeas with Pugh's Flowers. The hydrangea's large flower head, full of abundance and lushness, adds a romantic and charming touch to any occasion. With their wide appeal, variety of colors, and diverse meanings, hydrangeas are pretty much perfect for all occasions.

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