Flower of the Day:Hydrangea

Hydrangea: A few Fun Facts

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

2. In Hydrangea species the exact color often depends upon the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. Acidic soils produce blue flowers, neutral soils produce pale cream petals, and alkaline soils result in pink or purple.

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

4. 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.

5. Hydrangeas produce their main flower clusters from the tips of shoots formed from the previous season.If the terminal buds of these shoots are destroyed, the plant usually fails to bloom. The chief causes of destruction of the terminal buds are excessive winter cold and uninformed pruning.

6. Hydrangea is a great flower if you are into drying flowers after enjoying them!

7. Hydrangeas are easy to grow in well-drained soil, which should contain plenty of organic matter or humus.

8. Pink hydrangeas symbolize heartfelt emotion.

9. Blue hydrangeas symbolize frigidity and apology.

10. White hydrangeas symbolize boasting or bragging.

11. Purple hydrangeas symbolize a desire to deeply understand someone.