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.
Where do hydrangeas naturally flourish?
Eastern Asia, eastern North America, and western Central and South America are all regions where hydrangeas naturally thrive. The smooth hydrangea (H. arborescens) is indigenous to the Appalachian Mountains in the United States.
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.
Is hydrangea indigenous to the UK?
Shrubs called hydrangeas produce white, pink, or blue flowers throughout the summer and fall. Depending on the soil’s makeup, their enormous mop-headed blossoms can change color. While alkaline soil turns the blossoms pink, acidic soil turns them violet or blue.
The height of a hydrangea can vary from one foot to ten feet. Light green stems eventually turn dark and woody with age. The length of the dark-green leaves ranges from four to ten inches. Flowers come in clusters the size of apples, each with four petals, and they might be white, lilac, pink, or blue.
The shrub is indigenous to North and South America as well as East Asia. Although hydrangeas native to temperate regions are deciduous, it can be either an evergreen or deciduous plant. In Britain, hydrangeas are typically imported from Japan to be marketed and farmed there.
Hydrangeas bloom in the garden from late summer to early fall. From early spring to late autumn, the blooms are offered for sale.
The Hydrangeaceae genus of flowering shrubs and plants, which is where the bushes are from, is a member of the Cornales order. When present, the petals of these woody plants come in multiples of four.
A shaded area with well-drained soil is ideal for hydrangeas. They dislike the direct sun and the chilly easterly breezes. Before planting, it’s a good idea to incorporate some compost, leaf mold, or manure into the soil. With hydrangeas, the only trimming required is the removal of a wasted flower head, which should only be done in the spring and never in the fall.
Treatment of kidney and bladder problems is one of its primary medical applications. Peeling off the bark allows for the treatment of burns, wounds, and bruises.
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.
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.
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 choose 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.
When did hydrangeas start to grow?
As I already mentioned, hydrangeas have been around for more than 23 million years. An Alaskan mountain called Jaw Mountain yielded a fossilized species known as Hydrangea alaskana from a piece of paleogene-era granite (which dates from 66 million to 23 million years ago).
In Asia, the continent with which hydrangeas are more closely identified and where it is documented that people first began cultivating the plant thousands of years ago, fossils have also lately been found.
Asian variants first arrived in Europe in 1775 when Swedish naturalist Carl Peter Thunberg returned from an expedition to Asia with five plants. The plant has now become increasingly common in gardens throughout the Northern Hemisphere, where it thrives in the cooler, wetter climate.
The different types of Hydrangeas
Over 600 recognized cultivars and 70–75 species of hydrangeas exist. In order to make it easier for you to locate the ideal kind for your garden, the hydrangea can be divided into five varieties.
There are five varieties of hydrangeas:
- Macrophylla (Bigleaf or French Hydrangea)
- Smooth (Tree Hydrangea)
- Panicle
- Oakleaf
- Climbing
They go by the scientific name Hydrangea macrophylla and are the most popular kind of hydrangea. They have large leaves, as suggested by its common name! These Hydrangeas come in three different varieties, which adds a little complexity to the situation:
- Large, full flowerheads with purple, pink, or blue hues characterize mopheads. Based on the acidity of your soil, you can affect the color.
- Lacecap: These have lovely individual flowers all around a center of small flower buds.
- Mountain: These resemble lacecaps in appearance, but have smaller blooms and leaves. They can withstand late-winter cold spells because they are much more resilient.
Smooth Hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens), which are native to the USA, are enormous in size, reaching heights of about 6 feet, and are frequently described to as “trees”! They produce flowers that are initially green and turn white over time. They bloom from July to September and can withstand hotter conditions.
Instead of round-headed blooms, the varieties of hydrangea paniculata and grandiflora produce cone-shaped ones. These cultivars frequently start off white and mature to pink. Most are East Asian natives and can withstand low temperatures, but they do need enough of sunlight. They begin to bloom in the late summer, and the trimming is simple. Their blossoms last for a very long time.
These hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia) are so named because of their foliage, which resembles oak tree leaves. Additionally, their leaves change color in the fall, just like an oak tree (this is the only type of Hydrangea with this ability). Its single-blossom or double-blossom flowerheads resemble those of Panicle Hydrangeas; they begin as white and eventually turn pink. These Hydrangeas, which are American natives, can withstand drier environments and are winter-hardy.
Because it is a vine, Hydrangea animola ssp. petiolaris is quite unique from other varieties of hydrangeas. Its common name, the Japanese Hydrangea vine, refers to its Asian origin. It may climb as high as 80 feet, but getting there requires a persistent gardener because it can take the plant up to four years to begin showing indications of development. The entire plant, however, will thrive in deep shadow, and the fragrance of the mature, lacecap-like blossoms is well recognized.
Our Hydrangea ‘Magical Candle’
The Hydrangea paniculata “Magical Candle” has enormous conical heads of colorful blooms that change throughout the year from green-toned white to deep pink, perched atop dense dark green foliage. This resilient plant is simple to cultivate and care for and will continuously add color and interest to your yard.
This plant blooms from July to October, producing blossoms all summer and far into the fall. As with any other paniculata cultivar, plant Hydrangea paniculata ‘Magical Candle’ in moist, well-drained soil in full sun (though it will tolerate partial shade).
This lovely plant will expand to a size of 150cm in height and width with only minimal care needed—watering and a few light feeds in spring and summer. Additionally, it is fully hardy, so you will consistently receive stunning flowers. It’s a lovely option for a backyard ornamental plant!
Trim the branches back to the base after flowering to complete pruning. They never flower on old wood, thus you have less chance of unintentionally cutting off a flowering stem than with macrophylla varieties.
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.