Hydrangea flower facts – what you need to know

If you love hydrangeas, you will really enjoy learning these interesting facts. Not only are these hydrangea flower facts interesting, but they can also help you take better care of your plants. Whether they are in a planter inside your home or in the garden, hydrangeas will need certain conditions to be met.

Understanding the name

The first hydrangea flower fact to remember is that the name actually means ‘water vessel’ when translated from the original Greek. The seed capsules of the plant resemble a water jug which is why the name makes sense. It’s also interesting to note that these plants are particularly thirsty so they should be provided with water on a regular basis.

Different colours

The colour of your hydrangea flower will depend on the pH of the soil. Purple, blue and pink varieties are most common as well as gorgeous pure white blooms. If you would like to increase the acidity and encourage blue or purple flowers, simply add some coffee grounds, eggshells or citrus peels to the soil.

Fossils found

Probably one of the most fascinating fact about the hydrangea flower is that fossils were found that can be dated back millions of years! They were discovered in North America and more recent fossils of these flowers were found in Poland. These blooms were first cultivated in the 1700s.

Cultural importance

Depending on where you are in the world, the hydrangea flower can have a different meaning or interpretation. In the west, it represents vanity and heartlessness while, in Asia, pink varieties are associated with understanding and apology.

Religious traditions

In Japan, the leaves of this plant are used to make a sweet tea which is poured of Buddha statues on 8 April each year. This is believed to be his birthday and the tea is a substitute for the ambrosia nectar which is associated with his birth and anointment by dragons.

Toxicity

The hydrangea flower and its leaves contain toxic properties and should not be consumed by humans or animals. The root can be used to make an infusion, however, used to treat kidney stones and various other ailments.

The hydrangea flower is popular around the world and can be used in various arrangements, including funeral crosses, birthday bouquets, Christmas wreaths and more. When using these blooms in an arrangement, the greatest advantage is the fact that you do not need a lot of stems to create an impressive effect.