Over 75 species of flowering plants in the genus Hydrangea (/hadrendi/), sometimes known as Hortensia or hydrangea, are indigenous to Asia and the Americas. In eastern Asia, especially in China, Korea, and Japan, there is by far the greatest variety of species. The majority are 13 m (3 ft 3 in. or 9 ft 10 in.) tall shrubs, although some are small trees and some have lianas that can grow up trees to heights of 30 m (100 ft). Although the frequently cultivated temperate species are all deciduous, they can also be evergreen. [3]
In reference to the design of its seed capsules, the name “hydrangea” is derived from the Greek and meaning “water vessel” (from water + or vessel).
[4] The former name, Hortensia, is a Latinized version of the French given name Hortense and was given in honor of Nicole-Reine Hortense Lepaute, a French astronomer and mathematician.
[5] This statement is refuted on page 88 of Nicole-Reine Hortense Lepaute’s biography, citation 10, where it is stated: “Larousse considers this an injustice and remarks that it has caused many people to believe falsely that “Hortensia” was one of her names; it was likely only the Latin adjective from “hortus.”
Hydrangeas are they indigenous to North America?
Two hydrangea species, Hydrangea quercifolia (oakleaf hydrangea) and Hydrangea arborescens (smooth hydrangea), both woody shrubs, are native to the North American continent and have been cultivated for use in landscaping on a commercial scale. Other hydrangea species have been used in landscaping, and a related, the loosely clinging vine Decumera barbara, appears to be fighting for acceptance as a garden plant. However, the oakleaf and smooth hydrangeas are the most prevalent North American species in the nursery industry. Hydrangea arborescens, known by its cultivars ‘Grandiflora’ (also known as ‘Hills-of-Snow’ hydrangea in older gardening literature), ‘Sterile,’ and, more recently, ‘White Dome’ (also known as ‘Dardom’) and ‘Annabelle’ (and her enormous-flowering cousins like Incrediball), is likely the North American hydrangea species that has been used in general gardens
Both the smooth and oakleaf varieties are native to damp woodlands with a variety of hardwood trees, and they both do well in soils that retain moisture and are rich in organic matter (naturally, that would be decomposing leaf and twig litter found on the forest floor). However, the inflorescence form (creamy white cones of flowers on H. quercifolia that age to red and brown, and creamy white spherical dome or ball-shaped that age to silvery-tan on H. arborescens) and foliage pattern of these shrubs differ in appearance (thick, large oakleaf-shaped foliage on H. quercifolia, and thin, flat green leavesthat are prone to wilting in summer heaton H. arborescens). This last characteristic determines when and how the plants can be pruned without damaging the flowering effect, as well as whether winter cold and late frosts might reduce the flower display. These two species also differ in flowering time (early or midsummer), and when they develop their flower buds. The early American botanist John Bartram first identified the Hydrangea quercifolia, which is native to a smaller area of the southeastern states and is winter hardy down to -15F. However, because it develops new flower buds the year before each flowering season, it may not reliably flower in the coldest climates (USDA zone 5), despite having lush and beautiful foliage. On the other hand, H. arborescens is more dependable for floral display because its flower buds form on new growth, that is, on a mass of stems that emerge (typically suckering from close to the ground) the current season. It is a native of moist rocky cliffs and seeps from New England to Missouri as well as southeastern states.
H. arborescens is perhaps the easiest of the native North American hydrangeas to grow across a greater area of the temperate zone since you can trim it to the ground each spring and expect vigorous new growth with a nice flower show that summer. Additionally, it can withstand moister soils that are heavier in clay or less “well-drained” and is winter-hardy in one or two colder zones (often zone 4, however other sources claim H. arborescens can thrive in the warmest regions of zone 3!). H. quercifolia, on the other hand, is a more sophisticated plant whose leaves turn a deep burgundy and orange hue in the fall. Its coarse and rocky structure and peeling coppery-tan bark also lend interest to the landscape in the winter, making it showy beyond its summer flowering season. While the oakleaf cultivars make excellent specimen plants and tolerate slightly drier soil conditions if shaded from the hottest sun of the day, the smooth hydrangea tends to wilt easily and is best used in moister sites, especially if it is to bake in sun during the hottest time. Its suckering habit also lends itself to massing and use as a summer hedge.
The native range of smooth hydrangea.
The American hydrangea, sometimes known as the smooth hydrangea, is a deciduous shrub that reaches a height of 5 feet (1.5 meters). The small populations in New England, which are native to most of eastern North America, are regarded as introduced because they are primarily found in disturbed environments. In contrast to showier cultivated hydrangeas, its clusters of somewhat little white blooms are modest but bloom for a long time. Additionally, the plants can survive in rain gardens, are helpful for erosion management, and are tolerant of poor soil conditions.
From whence comes the hydrangea flower?
According to Michael Dirr, author of “Manual of Woody Landscape Plants,” the Endless Summer (Hydrangea macrophylla) has inspired the most raging enthusiasm of any plant.
One of the most exquisite flowers is the hydrangea. In the genus Hydrangea, inflorescence occurs in clusters. The hydrangea is a well-known floral plant. Many people refer to the flowers as their grandmother’s “old-time flower.”
About 100 species of flowering plants of the genus Hydrangea are indigenous to southern and eastern Asia (from Japan through China, the Himalayas, and Indonesia), as well as North and South America. From early spring through late fall, hydrangeas bloom. At the ends of their stems, hydrangea blooms are carried in bunches. Hydrangea flowers are generally quite tiny. However, a ring of modified bracts that surrounds each flower improves the presentation of color.
Most hydrangea species have white flowers, but some also have blue, red, pink, and purple blossoms. The exact hue of some hydrangea species is frequently influenced by the soil’s acidity or alkalinity. Flowers grown in acidic soils are blue, those grown in neutral soils have pale cream petals, and those grown in alkaline soils are pink or purple.
Facts About Hydrangea
- One of the relatively few plants that can acquire aluminum is the hydrangea. The complexes formed by aluminum, which is produced from acidic soils and gives hydrangea flowers their blue color, give them their blue hue.
- The tips of the shoots that were developed from the previous season are where hydrangeas get their major flower clusters from.
- The plant typically doesn’t bloom if the terminal buds of these shoots are removed. The main causes of terminal bud demise are extreme winter cold and ill-advised trimming.
- Particularly the blue hydrangeas are frequently utilized as dried flowers.
- Since they are native to the hilly regions of the Japanese islands, the Japanese call these hydrangea plants “Mountain Hydrangeas.” These hydrangeas are smaller in stature, feature more delicate lacecap blooms, and smaller foliage.
- A few Hydrangeas have the capacity to produce new bloom buds in the spring after the old ones have been cut off or injured, despite the fact that the majority of Hydrangeas bloom in the summer and the fall.
- The hydrangea Endless Summer is one of these. Being “remontant” is a term used to describe this quality.
Types of Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas produce three different varieties of flower blooms. These are The most recognizable type of hydrangea bloom is called a “mophead,” which is a cluster of globe-shaped flowers. Long, roughly cone-shaped flower clusters are known as panicle (particularly in Oakleaf Hydrangeas). Lacecap: A flattened cluster of what seem to be immature, small buds that are encircled on either side by typical, four- to five-petal blooms.
Additionally, hydrangeas come in a variety of forms. Below is a list of some of the most popular varieties:
The flowers, roots, and leaves all have diuretic, antitussive, and antimalarial properties. They are reported to be an antimalarial that is more effective than quinine.
Suitable for usage as a specimen plant in areas with enough room or as a background or untrimmed hedge in areas where screening is necessary.
The flowers are effective for lowering the frequency of recurrent hemorrhages linked to increased capillary fragility, especially in hypertension, because they contain up to 4.06 percent rutin.
The leaves are combined with boiling water to create a syrup. The syrupy sap is consumed as a beverage.
Growing Hydrangeas
- Cuttings taken from the tips of non-flowering branches with two or three pairs of leaves, between April and August, can be used to propagate hydrangeas quite easily.
- In well-drained soil that is rich in humus or organic materials, hydrangeas are simple to grow.
- They should ideally be planted on sand in a shaded area. Don’t plant it in places that are hot, dry, or exposed.
- Create a large planting hole that is about two feet broad and one foot deep.
- Only hydrangeas with pink flowers by nature will have blue blooms when cultivated in acidic soil.
- Although they can thrive in a number of soil types, hydrangea plants require fairly rich, moist soil.
- It is advised to apply a general-purpose fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, at a rate of 2 cups per 100 square feet in the months of March, May, and July.
- When fertilizing, it is not required to remove the mulch; however, watering soon after application will help the fertilizer dissolve and go into the soil.
- If properly watered, hydrangeas can thrive in full sun, but they bloom more profusely in partial shade.
- White blossoms will always be white, but soil pH can affect whether they are blue or pink (the closer to a balanced pH of 6.5, the lighter the color).
- Plan to water your hydrangeas well once a week or more regularly since they require a lot of water.
- The most crucial element in hydrangea growth is pruning. Prune only the stems that produced this year’s flowers; otherwise, you won’t have blooms the following year because the flowers appear on last year’s growth.
Hydrangea Plant Care
- They should be covered during extremely cold winter conditions. As soon as the flowering season is over in the summer, pruning should be done.
- Before vigorous new growth begins to appear on the stem, all of the old flowering shoots should be pruned away. Avoid pruning in the late fall, winter, or spring if you want blossoms.
The Hydrangea Guru
Professor Michael A. Dirr works for the University of Georgia’s Department of Horticulture. A generation of students, gardeners, nurserymen, and professional horticulturists have benefited from his lifetime passion for horticulture. The “Manual of Woody Landscape Plants” by Dirr, together with his companion “Manual of Woody Plant Propagation,” is the foremost horticultural literature and reference work and has emerged as the “Bible” for the landscape and nursery industries.
Because of his outstanding studies on hydrangeas, he is referred to as the “Hydrangea Guru” in popular culture. Over 50 new plants have been introduced to the green industry through Dirr’s Plant Introduction Program. He created the Hydrangea macrophylla variety Lady in Red. It is the first patented product to come out of Dr. Dirr’s program at the university, “Continued Adventures in Plant Improvement in the Department of Horticulture and Center for Applied Nursery Research.”
Do hydrangeas grow naturally in Japan?
In Japan, the hydrangea (, ajisai) is a well-liked flower. While European varieties were imported in the early 20th century, native Japanese hydrangea types have been referenced in written records dating back to the 8th century. The rainy season, which traditionally sees a lot fewer blossoms than the previous spring season, is when hydrangeas bloom. As a result, they become a symbol and the most well-known flower of the season between June and July.
In Japan today, there are more than 100 different types of hydrangeas, including some that blossom into balls of flowers and those whose flowers cover a bald spot. Hydrangeas are relatively simple to grow and are frequently found in parks and home gardens. Some temples are well-known for having hydrangea gardens, which are well-liked spots to observe a lot of blooms in a lovely setting. Be aware that the flowers are frequently trimmed too soon to guarantee a healthy flowering the following year.
How did hydrangeas reach the United States?
Although the hydrangea plant was first domesticated in Japan, prehistoric fossils of the plant from 40 to 65 million years ago have been found in North America. It is believed that a colonist who brought a North American variety to England in 1736 was the first to introduce hydrangeas to Europe.
Most hydrangea species are shrubs that grow 1 to 3 meters tall in groups. However, some are little trees and others are lianas that can climb up trees to reach heights of up to 30 meters.
Depending on the species, hydrangeas can be either deciduous or evergreen plants. Hydrangea blooms typically bloom from early spring until late autumn.
Are hydrangeas generally invasive?
There is good news and bad news regarding invasive plants in gardens and landscapes. The bad news is that invasive plants are frequently planted on purpose as ornamentals, and a number of invasive species are easily accessible for purchase from nurseries and garden centers or as parts of wildflower seed mixtures. The good news is that there are a lot of beautiful non-invasive plants to pick from, numbering in the thousands. The bulk of the most famous garden plants are not invasive, despite the fact that many of them are not native to the Midwest. For instance, although they are non-native to the area, hostas, hybrid tea roses, the majority of garden hydrangeas, boxwoods, tulips, daffodils, garden salvias, dwarf shrub junipers, and peonies are not recognized to be invasive.
There are countless beautiful and distinctive native plant species that are perfect for providing food and habitat for local animals, including birds, mammals, and pollinating insects, if you want to take your efforts to build an environmentally friendly garden to the next level. We’ll provide resources for choosing appropriate alternatives as well as our advice and methods for preventing invasive landscaping species below. For the cost of travel, MIPN staff are also available to give presentations to organizations on invasive species and landscaping.
Do hydrangeas grow naturally in Florida?
The USDA lists two natural species of this genus that can be found in Florida. The other, H. arborescens, is regarded as threatened. Only eleven counties in Florida—mostly in the western panhandle—have the perennial deciduous shrub to small tree Hydrangea quercifolia on their list of protected species.