What You Should Know About Hydrangeas, Even If You're Not a Florist

The Season of These Flowers Is in Full Bloom — The Perfect Time to Learn a Bit More. We Recall 12 Facts — Some Well-Known, Others Less So.

Grown All Over the World

From Southeast Asia to North America. In Russia, several species can be found in the wild on the Far East. Hydrangeas were introduced to Europe in the 1820s from Japan.

Hydrangeas Are Thousands of Years Old

Archaeological excavations confirm that the flower grew many thousands of years ago — on the territory of Alaska, California, Oregon, and Asia.

There Are 75 Different Varieties

Most hydrangeas are shrubs 1–3 meters tall. Some species are small trees, others are vines climbing up the trunks of other trees to a height of up to 30 meters.

Hydrangeas Are Poisonous!

All parts of the plant contain cyanogenic glycosides and are therefore considered toxic — even if you love these flowers, do not eat them.

They Can Change Color

The shade of the flowers depends on the soil pH level: in acidic soils, petals take a blue hue; in neutral soils, pale beige; and in alkaline soils, pink or lavender.

They Symbolize Love

This is believed in Asian countries. Therefore, hydrangeas make an excellent gift for someone you have a crush on and are perfect for wedding bouquets.

The Name Wasn't Chosen at Random

The name "hydrangea" was given to the flower by botanist Philibert Commerson — it is derived from the Latin hortus (garden). Since Hydrangea was a common female name at the time, there were many theories about who this name could have been dedicated to.

Later, European botanists gave the plant the name Hydrangea, which translates to "water vessel". One theory says it’s due to the shape of seed capsules resembling a jug, while another suggests it’s because of the plant’s love for moisture.

They Love Plentiful Watering

This follows from the previous fact. Each bush should receive at least two buckets of water per week.

And They Don’t Like Direct Sunlight

Hydrangeas prefer shade or partial shade and suffer from direct sunlight — exposure to the sun makes the flowers small.

They Suit Any Bouquet

Hydrangeas never draw too much attention and therefore pair well with vibrant roses or simple daisies — a versatile flower.

They Are Loved by Celebrities

For example, American actress Blake Lively included hydrangeas in her wedding bouquet.

But Not Everyone Likes Them

Madonna, for example, hates these flowers. Several years ago, her reaction to receiving a hydrangea at a press conference during the Venice Film Festival sparked a heated debate. The fan presented her with the flower, and the star thanked him for it but then took it under the table and loudly remarked that she doesn't tolerate hydrangeas.

However, she later decided to apologize. To the hydrangeas. And published a black-and-white video in the style of classic cinema, in which she mourns the bouquet and asks for forgiveness. By the way, the apology didn't work — at the end of the video, the singer declares she still hates hydrangeas. But we still like them!