Flower Friday: Fun Facts About Hydrangeas!

Woohoo! Hydrangeas are here to cheer on the beginning of summer!

Hydrangea: A few Fun Facts

In most species of Hydrangea the flowers are white, but in some species, can be blue, red, pink, or purple.

We love having this summer flower year round in our vase arrangements and wrapped bouquets.

You can't deny that they are a fun flower with their pom-pom shape! Are you ready to cheer on the summer too?

1. The Color of the Hydrangea Depends on the Acidity of the Soil

Love blue hydrangeas? They prosper in acidic soil! However, if you want hydrangeas that are pink, then they grow in alkaline (basic) soil. Depending on the pH level, the flowers were be a different color. How awesome is that?

Hydrangeas are one of very few plants that accumulate aluminum. Aluminum is released from acidic soils, and forms complexes in the hydrangea flower giving them their blue color.

When taking home a bouquet that includes Hydrangea, always cut with a sharp knife so that it is one clean cut. Hydrangea have sensitive stems and when using scissors, or not getting it in one clean cut the tube will get pinched. This results in the flower not being able able to get the water and food nutrients it needs to remain healthy.

2. Hydrangea Means "Water Vessel"

Looking at the prefix and suffix of hydrangea, this is what hydrangea means! Hydrangeas are very thirsty flowers and LOVE water. This name fits these lovely flowers really well!

3. They Are Poisonous!

It is recommended to keep these flowers away from pets and small children. However, a large amount of the hydrangea needs to be eaten for serious effects.

4. There Are Around 100 Species of Hydrangea!

Hydrangea plants are native to North & South America and Southern & Eastern Asia.

5. The Most Popular Shape of the Hydrangea is the Mop Head!

The mop head is the pom-pom looking shape that many are used to seeing. However, hydrangeas can also be in a cone shape (panicle hydrangea) or in little clusters mixed with some larger clusters (lace cap hydrangeas).