Birthday
HydrangeasLush hydrangea heads are among the most recognisable flowers in gardens and bouquets. We have gathered photos of hydrangeas from bouquets UFL florists made for our customers and added a practical guide: the main types of hydrangea, why they change colour, how to make cut hydrangeas last in a vase, how to dry them and what they symbolise.
Hydrangea at a glance
Hydrangea is a genus of shrubs, small trees and climbers with about 75 species. Most come from East Asia — Japan, China and Korea — and from North and South America. The scientific name comes from the Greek hydor, "water", and angeion, "vessel": the seed capsules look like tiny jugs. It suits the plant's nature too — hydrangeas love water.
What we call hydrangea flowers are mostly large sterile florets with showy sepals. The small fertile flowers hide in the centre of the head and are visible in "lacecap" varieties, where the sterile florets form a ring around the edge.
Types of hydrangea
- Bigleaf hydrangea (H. macrophylla) — the classic florist's hydrangea with globe-shaped heads. Its colour depends on the soil, and in colder climates it needs winter protection.
- Panicle hydrangea (H. paniculata) — cone-shaped heads that turn from white to pink by autumn. The toughest and hardiest type.
- Smooth hydrangea (H. arborescens) — white or lime-green globes; the best-known variety is 'Annabelle'. Hardy and flowers on the current year's shoots.
- Oakleaf hydrangea (H. quercifolia) — deeply lobed, oak-like leaves that turn deep red in autumn.
- Climbing hydrangea (H. anomala subsp. petiolaris) — a climber that can scale walls and trees.
Why hydrangeas change colour
The colour of bigleaf hydrangeas depends on whether the plant can take up aluminium from the soil. In acidic soil (pH below about 5.5) aluminium is available and the flowers turn blue or lilac. In neutral or alkaline soil (pH above 6) aluminium is locked up and the flowers stay pink. White varieties don't change colour.
Gardeners control the colour deliberately: for blue flowers they acidify the soil and add aluminium sulphate; for pink they add lime and avoid acidic feeds. It's best to change colour gradually over a season. Read more about feeding plants in our article on natural fertilisers.
How to care for hydrangeas in a vase
Hydrangeas drink a lot and quickly droop if the stem dries out. These rules will keep a bouquet looking good for 7–10 days:
- Cut at an angle and straight into water. Trim 2–3 cm off with a sharp knife and put the flowers into cool water immediately. You can also split woody stems lengthwise by 2–3 cm.
- Remove extra leaves — they lose moisture. Keep just one or two at the top.
- Plenty of water. Use a tall vase, change the water daily or every other day and trim the stems each time.
- Keep it cool. Away from radiators, sunlight and draughts.
- Mist the flowers. Hydrangeas absorb moisture through their petals too, so in hot weather you can lightly mist the heads.
If a hydrangea wilts, you can often revive it: recut the stem and fully submerge the head and stem in cool water for 30–60 minutes, then return it to a vase with fresh water.
How to dry hydrangeas
Mature late-summer and autumn heads, whose petals have become slightly firm and papery, dry best. The easiest method is "drying in water": stand the stems in a vase with a little water (5–7 cm) and don't top it up. Over 1–2 weeks the water evaporates and the heads dry gradually, keeping their shape and a muted vintage colour. You can also hang them upside down somewhere dry and dark.
What hydrangeas symbolise
The meaning of hydrangeas varies by culture. In Japan they are associated with heartfelt emotion, gratitude and apology, and the summer rainy season is inseparable from hydrangeas blooming by temples. In the Victorian language of flowers their meaning was ambiguous — from heartlessness to boastfulness — so old flower dictionaries didn't recommend them for declarations of love. Today hydrangeas are given as a symbol of gratitude, abundance and sincere feelings, and in American tradition they are the flower of the fourth wedding anniversary. Learn more about plant symbolism in our article on the language of flowers.
Hydrangea photos from our bouquets
A few more photos of hydrangeas we've arranged for customers. They pair easily with roses, lisianthus, eucalyptus and seasonal greenery — find more ideas in our gallery of beautiful flower bouquets.
FAQ
How long do hydrangeas last in a vase?
With proper care, 7–10 days, sometimes longer.
Why do hydrangeas wilt so fast in a bouquet?
Usually from lack of water: the stem has dried out or the air is too warm. A fresh cut and submerging the head in water for 30–60 minutes help.
How do you make hydrangeas blue?
For bigleaf hydrangeas, acidify the soil to below pH 5.5 and add aluminium sulphate. White varieties don't change colour.
When do hydrangeas bloom?
In Ukrainian gardens from June to September, depending on the type. Cut hydrangeas are available from florists almost all year round.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
