With a range of over 75 Species to select from, the Hydrangea derived from the Greek words meaning ‘water vessel’ (named after its seed capsules) is an old time favourite when it comes to plant selection. due to its generous flowering during the warmer months.
The Hydrangea (alaskana) was originally recorded from a fossil recovered from paleogene strata in jaw mountain, Alaska there has also been 4 fossil seeds recorded originating from Poland.
Hydrangeas are often grown for their ornamental value thanks to their large flowerheads. Some Types can even change in colour depending on your soil! an acidic soil (pH below 7), will have available aluminum ions and typically produce flowers that are blue to purple, whereas an alkaline soil (pH above 7) will tie up aluminum ions and result in more pink or red flowers.
In Asia the meaning behind gifting a pink hydrangea is tied to the phrase “you are the beat of my heart” and therefore is a very appropriate gift for a loved one.
Type: Deciduous Shrub
Light Requirements: Full Sun - Part shade
Pests: Aphids - Rose Chafers - Spider Mites - Snails & Slugs - Thrips
Cold Hardy: Some hydrangeas are cold hardy down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-30 °C), others like the popular Bigleaf variety are especially vulnerable to frost damage.
Reproduction: Seed - cutting Propagation
Pruning: annually
Placement: Outdoors
PH: 4.5-7 Native: Asia - America
Family: Hydrangeaceae
Other Names: Hortensia
- Miriam's Garden 18/07/2022