Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas have been around North America longer than the U.S. has existed. These flowers have fossils that date back to 40 million years ago found in North America, showing they’ve been growing and surviving here for quite some time. Hydrangeas were originally cultivated in Japan, and they did not appear in Europe until a colonist brought the species over and introduced it to the land. They are not typically an edible flower or plant, so they are more commonly known for being used in landscape. However, they can be used in tea to help fight diseases such as kidney stones and malaria.

Hydrangeas are large bushes that flower towards the end of summer. There are a variety of 75 species, but the most common type of hydrangea is hydrangea macrophylla and is known for large white flowers that bloom in clumps. These are woody-perennials with large leaves.

They can be container grown or planted in the ground, but containers are a more difficult option due to size of the plant. They enjoy moist, woodland areas with well-drained soil and some shade. Hydrangeas can be grown in USDA zones 4-7 depending on the type of hydrangea. The PH of the soil and climate change can change the color of the flower petals that bloom.

These can be used in landscapes alongside houses where the shade and sun exposure varies. The flowers on hydrangea provide a good focal point in any garden. Because of their size, they may have more of a presence over other perennial bushes when in full bloom. You can use different colored hydrangeas to show different emotions and meaning in your garden. Pink symbolizes love and sincere emotion, blue means forgiveness and regret, white means purity, grace, and abundance, and purple shows abundance, wealth and royalty.

Here at Reiman Gardens you can find hydrangeas planted alongside the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing outside. We have the common species of hydrangeas with white flowers. If you come visit the Gardens soon you can catch them in full bloom at the end of the summer!

Prepared by: Emma Kachelmeyer