The Journal
We're in Hydrangea Heaven this August
In the world of flowers, hydrangeas stand out as true showstoppers, and are one of the most beloved flowering plants, adored for their large, stunning blooms that come in a range of colours. These stunning flowers can effortlessly elevate any floral arrangement. Whether you're looking for a romantic bouquet or an attention-grabbing centrepiece, hydrangeas always pack a punch.
Their versatility makes hydrangeas a popular choice for weddings, special events, or even just adding a touch of elegance to your home décor. The lush, vibrant petals of hydrangeas create a sense of enchantment and natural beauty that is hard to resist.
Hydrangeas were first cultivated in Japan. They thrive in many climates and are loved the world over.
When are Hydrangeas in season?
In Northern Europe, Hydrangeas typically bloom from early summer to early autumn, with their peak season being July to September. In our opinion the best Hydrangeas come from the Dutch growers and weather depending, we usually have them in the shop from June through to October.
Different Types of Hydrangea
Big-leaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla):
Also called French or Florists Hydrangea, these are the most common type of Hydrangea that you will find in your local florists.
The colour of their blooms is affected by the soil in which they are grown. In acidic soil with a low pH, hydrangeas will produce blooms in shades of blue, while in alkaline soil with a higher pH, the flowers will appear in pink or purple hues.
Within this category of Hydrangea, there are two key types that we buy:
- Mophead, with their large, rounded flower heads, often in vibrant shades of blue, pink or purple.
- Lacecap, with flat flower heads consisting of tiny fertile flowers in the centre and larger, showy flowers around the edge.
Panicle Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata):
Cone-shaped flower heads, often starting white and turning pink. Best used for long-lasting floral displays and perfect for mixed arrangements.
Pairing Hydrangeas with Other Flowers for Stunning Combinations
Hydrangeas are the perfect centrepiece for any floral arrangement when designed 'en-masse' but they also work beautifully when paired with other flowers.
Their voluminous blooms and diverse colour palette make them a natural choice for creating eye-catching and harmonious floral designs.
For a classic and romantic look, we like to combine hydrangeas with roses. The soft, delicate petals of roses complement the lush, full hydrangea blooms, creating a timeless and elegant arrangement.
You can play with colour contrasts, such as pairing pink hydrangeas with white or red roses, or opt for a monochromatic palette by using shades of blue hydrangeas and lilac roses.
If you're looking to add a touch of natural charm to your floral design, consider incorporating hydrangeas with garden-inspired flowers like delphinium, larkspur and snapdragons. The soft, muted tones of these complementary blooms can help to balance the bold presence of hydrangeas, creating a more relaxed and effortless aesthetic.
Seasonal Foliage we love to use to complement your Hydrangea Stems
To truly capture the charm of an English country garden with your hydrangea bouquet, choosing the best complementing foliage is key. Foliage not only adds texture and depth but also enhances their natural beauty, giving them that all important quintessentially country garden floral aesthetic we all love.
Our personal favourite foliage for using with Hydrangea stems is British Beech, with its lush green leaves and plenty of movement to create a soft, ethereal backdrop for your blousy hydrangea blooms. Fern fronds can also be a lovely addition, offering a delicate, feathery contrast to the robust structure of hydrangeas. Asparagus fern is one such frond we use again and again in our Hydrangea designs.
For a more traditional touch, Rosemary at this time of year is another excellent option, bringing not only a deep green colour but also an incredible fragrance that complements the fresh scent of your hydrangea stems.
How to get the most from your cut stem Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are water-loving flowers and constantly thirsty, so ensure they are kept in a vase of deep fresh cool water.
Refreshing water regularly every couple of days and in the warmer weather that we've been recently experiencing you will need to refresh the water everyday to ensure it is kept clean and bacterial free.
Another way to keep your Hydrangeas hydrated is to mist their flower heads regularly as they they love to drink water through their petals.
Before placing in a vase always cut at least an inch off the bottom of the tem at a 45-degree angle as this creates a larger surface area to help with water absorption.
What to Do If Your Hydrangeas Wilt
These wooden stemmed cut flowers can be very prone to wilting as sometimes they get air bubbles within their stems making it difficult to drink a bit like when you try to suck through a straw but something gets stuck. But fear not we have a simple tip that will revive your Hydrangtea stems in a matter of hours.
Simply boil a kettle and fill a mug full of boiling water then cut an inch from the end of your Hydrangea stem at a 45 degree angle and place in the mug of boiling water for 15 to 20 seconds. (If you look closely you may see some air bubbles coming to the surface of the water) Then simply take your stem out and place in a vase of deep cool fresh water and several hours later the head of your Hydrangea should have refreshed
An additional suggestion for reviving wilting Hydrangea heads is to submerge the entire flower head in deep cool water for 30-45 minutes, then place back in a vase of fresh deep water and watch your Hydrangea stem come back to life.
How to dry your Hydrangeas for everlasting beauty
Described as Water Drying
All you need to do is leave your Hydrangea stems in a vase with just a few inches of water. You then allow the water to evaporate slowly and these beautiful blooms will dry naturally.
Did you know...
Hydrangeas were first cultivated in Japan.
They have a history dating back millions of years, with North American fossils suggesting an arrival 40 to 65 million years ago. Nevertheless, they only reached Europe in 1736.
Their name has a Greek origin
"Hydor" means water and "angos" means jar or vessel, highlighting their essential need for water and lots of it.
New England is known for its hydrangeas
Every summer, flower lovers travel to see the Nantucket Blue, a special shade named after the famous Massachusetts island. Also nearby is the Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival, an event filled with garden tours, lessons, and more.
A great fourth wedding anniversary gift
If you're nearing four years with your significant other, consider gifting them Hydrangeas. This popular flower choice for this special anniversary is meant to show appreciation and gratitude.
Hydrangeas are great for people who suffer with hayfever
Since the flower produces allergy safe pollen, they remain a favourite flower amongst those who suffer from Hayfever.
Indulge yourself
If we've managed to convince you about the wonderful cloudbursts of colour that Hydrangeas bring, why not treat yourself? August is the perfect time for these abundant beauties.
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