Flower Facts: Everything You Need to Know About Hydrangeas

Growing in a selection of pastel colours, some of which are even capable of changing, hydrangeas are a special flower. They are beloved around the world for their unique appearance and have a long history as a cultivated flower.

The name hydrangea stems from the Greek words for water, hydros, and jar, angos, due to the shape of the flower resembling an ancient water pitcher. Most people are familiar with the popular and largely cultivated big and colourful blooms of the H. macrophylla but the genus of the hydrangea species is quite expansive.  

Pronunciation

Hai-drein-juh

Scientific Information

Hydrangeas are a large species of 70-75 flowering plants that are native to both Asia and North America. The largest diversity exists within Asia, especially Korea, Japan, and China. The majority of hydrangeas grow as shrubs between 1-3 meters in height, but some also grow as trees or climbing vines. Hydrangeas can be either deciduous or evergreen though the most popular and largely cultivated species are deciduous. Flowers on most species bloom from early spring to late autumn.